Abbess

/ˈæbes/
noun

A woman who is the head of a nunnery or convent.

The abbess of the convent prays five times a day.
Visual representation of "abbess" - A woman who is the head of a nunnery or convent.

Often appears as...

  • the abbess prayed
  • the abbess rang the bell
noun

A woman who is the head of a nunnery or convent.

The abbess of the convent prays five times a day.
Visual representation of "abbess" - A woman who is the head of a nunnery or convent.

Often appears as...

  • the abbess prayed
  • the abbess rang the bell
Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "abbess"
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Female Leadership

The term specifically refers to a woman in charge of a religious community of women.

Illustration for Female Leadership
In the medieval period, an abbess wielded considerable power.
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Religious Context

Used primarily in religious or historical settings, not in common daily conversation.

Illustration for Religious Context
They sought counsel from the abbess on spiritual matters.
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Cultural Variation

The role and influence of an abbess may vary significantly across different cultures and eras.

Illustration for Cultural Variation
The abbess in Tibetan nunneries has different responsibilities than in European ones.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Female Leadership

The term specifically refers to a woman in charge of a religious community of women.

Illustration for Female Leadership
In the medieval period, an abbess wielded considerable power.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Religious Context

Used primarily in religious or historical settings, not in common daily conversation.

Illustration for Religious Context
They sought counsel from the abbess on spiritual matters.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Variation

The role and influence of an abbess may vary significantly across different cultures and eras.

Illustration for Cultural Variation
The abbess in Tibetan nunneries has different responsibilities than in European ones.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Female Leadership

The term specifically refers to a woman in charge of a religious community of women.

Illustration for Female Leadership
In the medieval period, an abbess wielded considerable power.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Religious Context

Used primarily in religious or historical settings, not in common daily conversation.

Illustration for Religious Context
They sought counsel from the abbess on spiritual matters.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Cultural Variation

The role and influence of an abbess may vary significantly across different cultures and eras.

Illustration for Cultural Variation
The abbess in Tibetan nunneries has different responsibilities than in European ones.
Visual representation of the word "Abbess"

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Quote examples

Diana Quick

English Actress

I'd love to play a femme fatale in a film noir. I'm thinking of one of those roles that Lauren Bacall or Bette Davis might have played. What I wouldn't like is to suddenly find myself being cast, as many senior actresses seem to be, as the abbess in a convent.
Portrait of Diana Quick

Quote examples

Diana Quick

English Actress

I'd love to play a femme fatale in a film noir. I'm thinking of one of those roles that Lauren Bacall or Bette Davis might have played. What I wouldn't like is to suddenly find myself being cast, as many senior actresses seem to be, as the abbess in a convent.
Portrait of Diana Quick
Example 1 of 1
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