
Abbess
Female Leadership
The term specifically refers to a woman in charge of a religious community of women.
In the medieval period, an abbess wielded considerable power.
Religious Context
Used primarily in religious or historical settings, not in common daily conversation.
They sought counsel from the abbess on spiritual matters.
Cultural Variation
The role and influence of an abbess may vary significantly across different cultures and eras.
The abbess in Tibetan nunneries has different responsibilities than in European ones.