abbacy

[ ab-uh-see ]

noun

, plural ab·ba·cies.

1. the rank, rights, privileges, or jurisdiction of an abbot.
2. the term of office of an abbot.

abbacy

/ ˈæbəsɪ /

noun

1. the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbacy¹

1400–50; late Middle English abbacie, abbat ( h ) ie < Late Latin abbātia ( abbey ), equivalent to abbāt- ( abbot ) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbacy¹

C15: from Church Latin abbātia, from abbāt- abbot

Example Sentences

Robert Ramsey succeeded to the abbacy in 1346, but of him nothing particular is recorded.

From Project Gutenberg

Falling into disgrace at court, he was banished to the abbacy of Bonport.

From Project Gutenberg

"Thou givest the abbacy to him above us all," said Brenainn.

From Project Gutenberg

And then were the charters of the King concerning the gift of the abbacy produced and read in full audience.

From Project Gutenberg

The tower was built by Clement Lichfield in the last years of his abbacy, and hardly finished at his resignation in 1539.

From Project Gutenberg