Old English; earliest use found in Inscription on Book. From post-classical Latin abbatissa, in some forms with -d- partly reflecting late Latin and early Romance pronunciation and partly after some forms abbot; compare also Anglo-Norman abedesse. The some forms show remodelling after abbot and -ess.
Definition of abbotess in US English:
abbotess
noun
Abbess.
Origin
Old English; earliest use found in Inscription on Book. From post-classical Latin abbatissa, in some forms with -d- partly reflecting late Latin and early Romance pronunciation and partly after some forms abbot; compare also Anglo-Norman abedesse. The some forms show remodelling after abbot and -ess.