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Abbess vs Priory - What's the difference?

abbess | priory |

As nouns the difference between abbess and priory

is that abbess is a female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks while priory is a monastery or convent governed by a prior or prioress.

abbess

English

(wikipedia abbess)

Alternative forms

* (obsolete) abbatess * (obsolete) abbotess

Noun

(es)
  • A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.
    • The ''abbess'' was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean.

    Synonyms

    * (female superior of a nunnery) mother superior

    Related terms

    * abbey * abbot

    References

    priory

    English

    Noun

    (priories)
  • A monastery or convent governed by a prior or prioress.