Abbess
WordNet
noun
(1) The superior of a group of nuns
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From Old French abaesse, abeesse, French abbesse, Latin abbatissa, feminine of abbas, abbatis, abbot.
Noun
- A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.
- The abbess was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean.
- A bawd, the mistress of a brothel (1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue).
Synonyms
- (female superior of a nunnery): mother superior
- (a bawd): lady abbess
Shorthand
- Gregg (Version: Centennial,Series 90, DJS,Simplified,Anniversary,Pre-Anniversary): a - b - e - left s