prioress

[ prahy-er-is ]

noun

1. a woman holding a position corresponding to that of a prior, sometimes ranking next below an abbess.

ˈprioress

/ ˈpraɪərɪs /

noun

1. a nun holding an office in her convent corresponding to that of a prior in a male religious order

Gender Note

See -ess.

Other Words From

• sub·prior·ess noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prioress¹

1250–1300; Middle English prioresse < Old French. See prior ², -ess

Example Sentences

But I was refused even this last refuge; the prioress deciding that I had no vocation for the religious life.

From Project Gutenberg

I engaged your prioress in my guilt by a criminal bribe with which I purchased the right of burying you.

From Project Gutenberg

So, at the early age of four, she was sent to the Dominican convent, the prioress of which was her aunt.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1466 he took on lease from the Prioress of St. Helen's certain tenements for a period of ninety-nine years, at a rent of 11 6s.

From Project Gutenberg

She is lively, affectionate, and amiable, but she affects dignity as a Prioress should.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• sister