abbess

/ˈæb.ɛs/

Meanings

noun

A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.

Examples :

"The abbess was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean."

noun

(British slang) A woman who runs a brothel; a woman employed by a prostitute to find clients.

Examples :

"Because the historical novel aimed for gritty realism, it portrayed the "abbess" as a shrewd woman negotiating prices with potential clients outside the saloon. "

person job sex society

Related Words

superior noun

/suːˈpɪəɹi.ə(ɹ)/ /suːˈpɪɹiɚ/

A person of higher rank or quality.

"The superior in our department handled the challenging project with ease. "

prostitute noun

/ˈpɹɒstɪtjuːt/ /ˈpɹɑːstətuːt/

Any person (especially a woman) who has sexual intercourse or engages in other sexual activity for payment, especially as a means of livelihood.

"Because she needed money to support her family, she became a prostitute. "

nunnery noun

/ˈnʌnəri/

A place of residence for nuns; a convent

"After years of contemplation, Sister Agnes decided to dedicate her life to prayer and service at the local nunnery. "

immaculately adverb

/ɪˈmækjələtli/ /ɪˈmækjʊlətli/

In an immaculate manner; in a manner free of stain or blemish; without being defiled.

"The student organized her desk immaculately, with every book and pencil in its proper place. "

historical noun

/hɪˈstɒɹɪkəl/ /hɪˈstɔːɹɪkəl/

A historical romance.

"The historical romance novel was a bestseller in the bookstore. "

negotiating verb

/nəˈɡoʊʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/ /nɪˈɡoʊʃiˌeɪtɪŋ/

To confer with others in order to come to terms or reach an agreement.

"The landlord and the tenant are negotiating the rent for the apartment. "

governess noun

/ˈɡʌvnəs/ /ˈɡʌvɚnəs/

A woman paid to educate children in their own home.

"The wealthy family hired a governess to teach their children reading and writing at home. "

employed verb

/ɛmˈplɔɪd/

To hire (somebody for work or a job).

"Yesterday our local garage employed a new mechanic."

convent noun

/ˈkɒn.vənt/ /ˈkɑn.vɛnt/

A religious community whose members (especially nuns) live under strict observation of religious rules and self-imposed vows.

"The young woman decided to enter the convent to dedicate her life to prayer and service. "

authority noun

/ɔːˈθɒɹəti/ /əˈθɑɹəti/

The power to enforce rules or give orders.

"I have the authority to penalise the staff in my department, but not the authority to sack them."

portrayed verb

/pɔːrˈtreɪd/ /pərˈtreɪd/

To paint or draw the likeness of.

"I will portray a king on horseback."

potential noun

/pəˈtɛnʃəl/ /po(ʊ)ˈtɛnʃəl/

Currently unrealized ability (with the most common adposition being to)

"Even from a young age it was clear that she had the potential to become a great musician."