abbess
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for abbess, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A woman who heads a convent of nuns, holding the same authority over her community that an abbot holds over monks.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Old French abeesse, from Late Latin abbatissa, the feminine form of abbas ("abbot").
Full origin of abbess →Frequently asked questions
What does “abbess” mean?
The word “abbess” means a woman who heads a convent of nuns, holding the same authority over her community that an abbot holds over monks. In plain terms, the female head of a convent — the equivalent of an abbot but for nuns.
How do you pronounce “abbess”?
“Abbess” is pronounced AB-ihs (/ˈæb.ɪs/ in IPA).
How do you use “abbess” in a sentence?
Here is “abbess” used in a sentence: “The abbess welcomed the new novices into the convent.”
What part of speech is “abbess”?
“Abbess” is a noun.
Where does the word “abbess” come from?
The word “abbess” comes from Late Latin. From Old French abeesse, from Late Latin abbatissa, the feminine form of abbas ("abbot").