prioress

prioress

English Noun

Definition

A nun in charge of a priory (usually lower in rank than an abbess); mother superior.

Etymology

From Middle English prieresse, priorasse, priores, prioresse, priorisse, priouresse, priures, priuresse, prowres, pryoras, pryorys, pryowresse, from Medieval Latin priōrissa and Old French prioresse, prieuresse; equivalent to prior + -ess.