eldress

[ el-dris ]

noun
  1. a laywoman who is a governing officer in certain Protestant churches.

Origin of eldress

1
First recorded in 1630–40; elder1 + -ess

usage note For eldress

See -ess.

Words Nearby eldress

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use eldress in a sentence

  • She expressed as much to the Mother eldress, who smiled, and reminded her of the rule of obedience.

    Clara Maynard | W.H.G. Kingston
  • “You will now like to see the cells,” said the Mother eldress, as she led the way upstairs.

    Clara Maynard | W.H.G. Kingston
  • Oh, eldress Abby, they've come back to me all day, those words.

    Susanna and Sue | Kate Douglas Wiggin
  • The voice of eldress Abby pursued Hetty in her flight like the voice in a dream.

    Susanna and Sue | Kate Douglas Wiggin
  • eldress Abby bowed, but she looked weak and stricken and old.

    Susanna and Sue | Kate Douglas Wiggin