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DictionaryabbotMonastery leader
noun

abbot

AB-ut/ˈæbət/

The male head of a monastery.

The abbot presides over the seated monks, holding his crozier.

A medieval Benedictine abbot presides from the central chair in a monastery chapter house, holding his crozier while three fellow monks sit facing him attentively.
Etymology
abbotAramaicfather, my father

The ancestral title meant “father” or “my father” and expressed honor. Originally applied to any monk, it later became restricted to the head of a monastery.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain0:59
the Abbot of Iver departed from this world into the next young M succeeded him in the government of the monastery
1900s Satire Audiobook: Anatole France - Penguin Island

More examples

  • The monastery elected a new abbot.
  • Visitors need permission from the abbot to enter.
  • Several abbots attended the meeting of religious leaders.

Forms

abbot · abbots

Similar words

prior
May lead a priory or serve below an abbot.
superior
A general title for a leader in a religious community.