abbess
/ˈæbɪs/
NOUN
1. Female head of a convent
A woman who holds the position of superior and exercises authority over a community of nuns in a convent or abbey.
1.1. Leadership in a convent or abbey
Used to refer to a woman responsible for governing a religious community of nuns and overseeing its spiritual and communal affairs.
Synonyms
- mother superior
- lady superior
- superioress
- Reverend Mother
Examples
- The abbess led the convent with wisdom and compassion.
- The young novices sought guidance from the experienced abbess.
- The abbess supervised the daily activities and spiritual life of the nuns.
Related Words
- convent
- abbey
- nun
- monastery
- monastic
- religious order
- prioress
1.2. Spiritual guidance and religious authority
Used when emphasizing the abbess's role as a respected spiritual guide, adviser, and authority figure within a community of religious women.
Synonyms
- mother superior
- Reverend Mother
- lady superior
Examples
- In times of uncertainty, the abbess offered counsel and comfort to her sisters.
- The community respected the abbess for her devotion and spiritual leadership.
Related Words
- spiritual guidance
- prayer
- devotion
- counsel
- discipline
- religious community
NOUN
2. Woman who manages a brothel
In historical British slang, a woman who manages a brothel or assists a prostitute by finding clients.
2.1. Brothel management and prostitution
Used in a historical slang sense for a woman who operates a brothel or arranges customers for prostitutes.
Synonyms
- brothel keeper
- madam
- procuress
Examples
- The historical account described the woman as an abbess who managed a brothel.
- In the old text, the abbess arranged clients for the women working under her.
Related Words
- brothel
- prostitution
- client
- sex work
- solicitation