abbé

[a-bey, ab-ey, a-bey]

noun

plural

abbés 

1. (especially in France)

   1. a member of the secular clergy.

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

abbé

¹

/ abe, ˈæbeɪ /

noun

1. a French abbot

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

Abbe

²

/ ˈaːbə, ˈæbɪ /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbé¹

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

Related Words

• minister