noun
abbess
AB-ess/ˈæbes/
A woman who leads a convent or abbey.
The abbess holds her crozier as two nuns stand attentively before her.
Etymology
The feminine ending makes this the female counterpart of an abbot. The underlying title ultimately meant “father” and became restricted to a monastery’s head, connecting the word with religious leadership.
In context
our abbess or the Abbot of a monastery is the icon of Christ for the community and we strive to obey her or him
More examples
- The nuns elected a new abbess.
- Each abbess oversees the life of her own community.
- The visitor asks the abbess about the convent's history.
Forms
abbess · abbesses
Similar words
- prioress
- Heads a priory or serves below an abbess.
- superior
- A broader title for someone leading a religious community.