Home UK English governoress

Meaning of governoress in English:

governoress

noun

(also governeress)
rare, non standard

  • 1A woman responsible for a child or young person; a female tutor or guardian.

  • 2A woman who has authority or influence; (in later use) specifically a female governor. Often figurative and in extended use.

Pronunciation

governoress

/ˈɡʌv(ə)nərɪs/ /ˈɡʌv(ə)nərɛs/ /ˈɡʌvənərɪs/

Origin

Late Middle English; earliest use found in Thomas Hoccleve (c1367–1426), poet and clerk. Originally (i) from Middle French gouverneresse woman who has authority or influence, female leader, female teacher, tutor, or guardian from gouverneur + -esse.