Abbess
['æbes] or ['æbɛs]
Definition
(n.) 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. See Abbey.
Typed by Benjamin
Definition
n. the female superior of a religious community of women.
Edited by Lizzie
Unserious Contents or Definition
For a young woman to dream that she sees an abbess, denotes that she will be compelled to perform distasteful tasks, and will submit to authority only after unsuccessful rebellion. To dream of an abbess smiling and benignant, denotes you will be surrounded by true friends and pleasing prospects.
Inputed by Elsa
Examples
- Cook,' said the lady abbess, with great dignity; 'don't answer me, if you please. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- Mental suffering and trial supply, in some natures, the place of years, and I will be as plain with you as if I were a Lady Abbess. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- The lady abbess no sooner heard this appalling cry, than she retreated to her own bedroom, double-locked the door, and fainted away comfortably. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- The abbess was in despair about me. Harriette Wilson. The Memoirs of Harriette Wilson.
- Cook,' said the lady abbess, who took care to be on the top stair, the very last of the group--'cook, why don't you go a little way into the garden? Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
Checked by Elton