abbé

American  

[a-bey, ab-ey, a-bey] / æˈbeɪ, ˈæb eɪ, aˈbeɪ /

noun

plural

abbés

1. (especially in France)

   1. a member of the secular clergy.

   2. a title of respect for any ecclesiastic or clergyman.

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abbé ¹ British  

/ abe, ˈæbeɪ /

noun

1. a French abbot

2. a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest

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Abbe ² British  

/ ˈaːbə, ˈæbɪ /

noun

1. Ernst. 1840–1905, German physicist, noted for his work in optics and the microscope condenser known as the Abbe condenser

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Etymology

Origin of abbé

First recorded in 1520–30; from French, Middle French, from Late Latin abbāte(m), accusative of abbās abbot

Example Sentences

He instructed Harnett to select from among Abbe’s own possessions for the still life, and Harnett chose objects that reveal the comfortable, cultured aspects of his client’s life.

From The Wall Street Journal

Another dimension of Abbe, scholars say, is encoded in a light-brown leather account book.

From The Wall Street Journal

At first glance, Abbe’s pile looks a bit precarious; in real life, would those books remain in place?

From The Wall Street Journal

Abbe hung “Ease” in a room off his office at the Holyoke Envelope Co. factory, and in January 1888 the plant was destroyed by fire.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Ease” survived, but Abbe soon sold the work to railroad baron Collis Potter Huntington to help relieve his financial difficulties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• minister