ogress

¹

[oh-gris]

noun

1. a female monster in fairy tales and popular legend, usually represented as a hideous giant who feeds on human flesh.

2. a monstrously ugly, cruel, or barbarous woman.

ogress

²

[oh-gris]

noun

Heraldry.

1. a roundel sable.

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ogress¹

From the French word ogresse, dating back to 1705–15. See ogre, -ess

Origin of ogress²

First recorded in 1565–75; origin uncertain

Related Words

• brute 
• cad 
• ogre 

When To Use

What does ogress mean?

An ogress is a female ogre—a fictional creature usually represented as a mean, ugly humanlike monster or giant who eats people.The word ogress is not commonly used, especially since the word ogre can be used regardless of gender.Ogres and ogresses have traditionally appeared in fairy tales and legends, but they’re also depicted in modern media, such as fantasy video games and the series of movies starring the character Shrek, who happens to be a friendly ogre. Spoiler alert: the character Fiona turns out to be an ogress.The words ogre and ogress are sometimes used in a figurative way as an insult referring to a person who’s cruel, monstrous, ugly, or brutish—or (especially) a combination of these characteristics, as in The boss at my last job was a complete ogress—she had a terrible temper and delighted in harassing and firing people. Such a person can be described with the adjective ogreish (or ogrish).In heraldry, the word ogress refers to a black circle.Example: At the end of this level, you have to battle a huge ogress who’s trying to eat you alive.