votaress

[ voh-ter-is ]

noun

, Now Rare.

1. a woman who is a votary.

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of votaress¹

First recorded in 1580–90; votar(y) + -ess

Example Sentences

The mother-superior took the votaress at her word, and left her then and there.

From Project Gutenberg

"Surely, daughter," said the abbess, gently as with her own hand she opened the door and led her votaress into the room.

From Project Gutenberg

Such talk, both priest and votaress told her, was not meet for dutiful daughter or betrothed maiden.

From Project Gutenberg

Thaisa, thinking Pericles dead, becomes a votaress at Diana's temple.

From Project Gutenberg

All wait for the votaress, but she is detained by a crowd of friends.

From Project Gutenberg