# Abbe

/ˈæbi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abbe
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. French priest

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a title used for a French priest or a member of the Catholic clergy.

For teachers: a title or honorific for a French Catholic cleric; it is often used for secular priests who do not belong to a specific religious order.

- The young Abbe lived in a small house near the village church.
- The Abbe was a frequent guest at the salon, where his wit and theological insights were highly valued by the local aristocracy.

Usage: Often used as a title before a surname or as a direct form of address.

Teaching tip: This is primarily found in historical literature or contexts involving the French Catholic Church; in modern English, 'priest' or 'father' is more common unless referring specifically to a French context.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.