anchoress

[ang-ker-is]

noun

1. a woman who is an anchorite.

Gender Note

What's the difference between anchoress and anchor? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anchoress¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English anchoryse, Middle English ankres, equivalent to ancre anchorite + -es -ess

Example Sentences

The musician, real name Tor Maries, received messages of support from artists such as Billy Bragg, the Anchoress and Lonelady, who criticised the sexist and misogynist nature of the comments.

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"BBC Introducing is a crucial pipeline for anyone trying to break into the industry without the backing of a major label or financial backing of their own," added Welsh singer-songwriter Catherine Anne Davies, who performs as The Anchoress.

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Now the patriotic Welshmen have enlisted the help of compatriot Catherine Anne Davies - aka The Anchoress - to duet on Dylan & Caitlin - a track about the marriage of legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

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For a case of doubt in an anchoress, which, however ended well, see ib.

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She is apparently not to be confused with another famous anchoress, Julian Lampet, bequests to whom are often recorded in Norwich wills between 1426 and 1478.

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