different between matron vs abbess

English

Etymology

From Middle English matrone, from Old French matrone, from Latin m?tr?na (“married woman”), from m?ter (“mother”). Doublet of matrona.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?me?t??n/
• Rhymes: -e?t??n

Noun

matron (plural matrons)

1. A mature or elderly woman.

   • grave from her cradle, insomuch that she was a matron before she was a mother

2. A wife or a widow, especially, one who has borne children.
3. A woman of staid or motherly manners.
   • “A tight little craft,” was Austin’s invariable comment on the matron; and she looked it, always trim and trig and smooth of surface like a converted yacht cleared for action. ¶ Near her wandered her husband, orientally bland, invariably affable, […].

4. A housekeeper, especially, a woman who manages the domestic economy of a public institution.
5. A senior female nurse in an establishment, especially a hospital or school.

6. (US) A female prison officer.

Derived terms

Related terms

• matrona
• matroneum

Translations

References

matron in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.

Anagrams

• Marton, Morant, Rotman, romant

English

Alternative forms

• abbatess, abbotess (obsolete)

Etymology

From Middle English abbesse, from Old French abeesse (French abbesse), from Late Latin or Ecclesiastical Latin abbatissa, feminine of Latin abbas, abbatis (“abbot”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /?æb.?s/, /?æb.?s/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?æb.?s/, /?æb.?s/

Noun

abbess (plural abbesses)

1. A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks. [First attested around 1150 to 1350]

   The abbess was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean.

2. (archaic, British slang) A woman who runs a brothel; a woman employed by a prostitute to find clients.

Synonyms

• (female superior of a nunnery): mother superior
• (woman who runs a brothel): bawd, Covent Garden abbess, lady abbess, madam

Related terms

• abbey
• abbot

Translations

References