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

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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Related Words

• minister