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abbess

noun
ab·​bess | \ ˈa-bəs How to pronounce abbess (audio) \

Definition of abbess

: a woman who is the superior of a convent of nuns

Examples of abbess in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Einhorn, who did extensive research on Joan’s life including visiting historical sites in France, chose texts from another medieval composer, the abbess Hildegard of Bingen, and other female mystics, as well as Joan’s own words from her trial. — OregonLive.com, "Joan of Arc's story gains a new dimension in film/concert pairing," 21 Jan. 2018 Einhorn, who did extensive research on Joan’s life including visiting historical sites in France, chose texts from another medieval composer, the abbess Hildegard of Bingen, and other female mystics, as well as Joan’s own words from her trial. — OregonLive.com, "Joan of Arc's story gains a new dimension in film/concert pairing," 21 Jan. 2018

First Known Use of abbess

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for abbess

Middle English abbesse, borrowed from Anglo-French abbesse, abeiesse, borrowed from Late Latin abbātissa, feminine derivative of abbāt-, abbās abbot

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More Definitions for abbess

abbess

noun
How to pronounce abbess (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of abbess

: a woman who is the head of a convent

See the full definition for abbess in the English Language Learners Dictionary

abbess

noun
ab·​bess | \ ˈa-bəs How to pronounce abbess (audio) \

Kids Definition of abbess

: the head of an abbey for women

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