# abbess

/ˈæbɛs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/abbess
Updated: 2026-05-01

## Senses

### 1. head of a convent

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the woman in charge of a convent or a group of nuns.

For teachers: the female superior of an abbey or convent, exercising spiritual and administrative authority over the community.

- The abbess met with the local bishop to discuss the convent's repairs.
- As the newly elected abbess, she was responsible for both the spiritual welfare of the sisters and the management of the abbey's extensive lands.

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