(n.) A female superior of a convent of nuns\, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks. See Abbey.

canoness chatelaine clergywoman conventual dame dowager first lady goodwife governess great lady homemaker housewife lady superior madam matriarch matron mistress mother superior novice nun postulant prioress religieuse secular canoness sister superioress the reverend mother