governess
n.n. a woman who is hired to teach and take care of children in a private home. This word is more common in old stories or historical books.
n. a female teacher or domestic worker employed to educate and supervise children in a private household. Often used in historical or literary contexts to describe a domestic staff member of high social standing.
The governess taught the children to read and write.
In the 19th century, many wealthy families employed a governess to provide a private education for their daughters.
The novel explores the complex relationship between a young governess and the children she is hired to educate, highlighting the social isolation and emotional tension of her position.
From Middle English governesse, a contracted form of governeresse, from Old French governeresse (“female ruler or administrator”). In later senses, equivalent to govern(or) + -ess.