abbess

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Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈæb.ɪs/, /ˈæb.ɛs/
• (America) IPA: /ˈæb.ɪs/, /ˈæb.ɛs/

Noun

abbess (plural abbesses)

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]

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

2. (archaic, British slang) A woman who runs a brothel; a woman employed by a prostitute to find clients.

Synonyms

• (female superior of a nunnery) mother superior
• (woman who runs a brothel) bawd, Covent Garden abbess, lady abbess, madam

Related terms

• abbey
• abbot

Translations

• French: abbesse
• German: Äbtissin, Priorin, Oberin (Reverend Mother)
• Italian: badessa
• Portuguese: abadessa
• Russian: аббати́са
• Spanish: abadesa

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