Abbess

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈæb.ɪs/, /ˈæb.É›s/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈæb.ɪs/, /ˈæb.É›s/

Alternative forms

• obsolete abbatess
• obsolete abbotess

Origin

From Middle English abbesse, from Old French abaesse, abeesse (French abbesse), from Late Latin abbatissa, feminine of abbas, abbatis ("abbot").

Full definition of abbess

Noun

1. 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. First attested around 1150 to 1350

1. The abbess was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean.

Synonyms

• (female superior of a nunnery) mother superior

Related terms

• abbey
• abbot