Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
prioress
Noun
/ˈpraɪə.rɛs/
Definition
A female head of a convent or religious community of nuns, ranking just below the abbess.
Examples
- The prioress of the convent ensured that all the nuns adhered to the monastic rules.
- In Chaucer’s “The Canterbury Tales,” the prioress is depicted as a character of elegance and propriety.
- The prioress organized a charity event to raise funds for the local orphanage.
Meaning
A prioress is essentially a leader among a group of nuns, responsible for overseeing the daily activities and spiritual guidance of the community.
Synonyms
- Abbess
- Superior
- Sister superior
