English Explanatory Dictionary

governess

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A woman paid to educate children in their own home.
  2. A female governor.
  3. The wife of a governor.
verb
  1. To work as governess; to educate children in their own home.

Pronunciation

/ˈɡʌvɚnəs/ /ˈɡʌvənəs/ /ˌɡʌvəˈnɛs/ en-us-governess.ogg

Word forms

governess governesses governessing governessed

Etymology

From Middle English governesse, a contracted form of governeresse, from Old French governeresse (“female ruler or administrator”). In later senses, equivalent to govern(or) + -ess.

Synonyms

governoress gubernatrix

Derived words

governess-cart governessdom governess general governess-general governesshood governessless governesslike governessship governess-ship governessy lieutenant governess subgoverness undergoverness
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