governeresse
Middle English
/ɡuˈvɛrnərɛs(ə)/
noun
Definitions
- A woman who controls or leads; a female figure in charge.
- A female guardian or protector; a governess.
- (rare) A dominating influence portrayed allegorically.
Etymology
Borrowed from Old French governeresse (female ruler administrator) affix from Middle English governour.
Origin
Middle English
governour
Gloss
Timeline
Distribution of cognates by language
Geogrpahic distribution of cognates
Cognates and derived terms
- governess English
- governesshood English
- governessless English
- governesslike English
- governessship English
- governessy English
- governor English
- governoress English
- governen Middle English
- governour Middle English
- gouvreneur Old French
- governeresse Old French