prioress etymology

Etymology:

  • Middle English: prioresse
  • Anglo-Norman French: prioresse
  • Latin: priorissa
  • Late Latin: prior ("superior") + suffix -issa (feminine form)

Meaning:

A prioress is a female superior or head of a religious community, particularly an abbey or convent.

Origin:

The term "prioress" originated in the early Christian church, where it referred to the female superior of a monastery or convent. As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the role and importance of prioresses grew. In medieval England, for example, prioresses were often powerful and influential figures, overseeing large communities of nuns and managing significant estates.

Usage:

The term "prioress" is still used today to refer to the female superior of a religious community, although its usage has declined somewhat with the decline of monasticism. The term can also be used, more generally, to refer to a woman in a position of authority or leadership.

Examples:

  • "The prioress welcomed us warmly to the abbey."
  • "She is a respected prioress, known for her wisdom and compassion."
  • "The prioress led the nuns through the labyrinth of the convent."

prioress relate terms

  • prior

    Etymology Old English pryur Anglo French priour Latin prior Meaning In its

  • prior

    Etymology Old English pryur Anglo French priour Latin prior Meaning In its

  • superior

    Etymology The word superior originates from the Latin word superior which means hi

  • mother

    Etymology The word mother is derived from the Proto Indo European root m āter meanin

  • strange

    Etymology Strange Middle English strange from Old French estrange from Latin extra

  • touch

    Etymology Middle English touchin from Old French toucher from Latin tangere meanin

  • evolve

    Etymology Middle English evoluen from Latin evolvere to unroll unfold Latin evolve

  • proportion

    Etymology From Old French proportion appropriate relation or measure from Latin pr

  • yield

    Etymology Old English ġieldan meaning to pay render submit surrender Meaning

  • Druid

    Etymology The word druid derives from the Proto Celtic word druwid which is of uncer

  • discriminate

    Etymology The word discriminate originates from the Latin word discriminare meaning