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shepherdess

[shep-er-dis]

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SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR shepherdess ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

a girl or woman who herds sheep.

a rural girl.

RELATED WORDS

herdsman, herder, watcher, teacher, caretaker, watch, pastor, guide, guard, minister, escort, tender, attendant, protector, leader, pilot, pastoralist

Origin of shepherdess

First recorded in 1350–1400, shepherdess is from the Middle English word shepherdesse. See shepherd, -ess

Usage note

See -ess.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for shepherdess

"The Shepherdess has asked for witnesses, and she shall have them," answered Olfan fiercely.
The People Of The Mist|H. Rider Haggard
I will be your good housewife and shepherdess, and make you such a home!
The Herd Boy and His Hermit|Charlotte M. Yonge
If she would only be shepherdess number thirty, I should go home to supper with my mind at ease.
After Dark|Wilkie Collins
Since then my ideals had changed rapidly and often, but Beatrice reminded me that the shepherdess had once been my ideal.
Captain Macklin|Richard Harding Davis

And yet perhaps she will try to save the Shepherdess, for she loves her as a lioness loves her young.
The People Of The Mist|H. Rider Haggard

Word Origin and History for shepherdess

n.

late 14c., from shepherd + -ess.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper