noun

abbess

abbess

The abbess was in charge of the convent.

The abbess was in charge of the convent.

((an abbess)) the female head of an abbey of nuns The abbess was in charge of the convent.

Synonyms: mother superior, prioress

From Late Latin 'abbatissa', the feminine form of 'abbas' (abbot). The '-ess' suffix denotes a female.

Think of 'abbot + ess' to remember it's the female head of an abbey or convent.

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