abbesses's Usage Examples:

), (5) to give the benediction to abbots and abbesses, (6) to anoint kings.

Protestantism was introduced in 1568, and Magdalena, the last Roman Catholic abbess, died in 1589; but Protestant abbesses were appointed to the foundation, and continued to enjoy their imperial privileges till 1803, when Gandersheim was incorporated with Brunswick.

With certain restrictions the pastoral staff is also sometimes conceded to dignitaries of cathedral and collegiate churches, but never to abbesses (Sacra Congreg.

Among the abbesses was the celebrated Elizabeth (1618-1680), eldest daughter of the elector palatine Frederick V.

Herford was a member of the Hanseatic League, and its suzerainty passed in 1547 from the abbesses to the dukes of Juliers.

Even a certain number of the monastic establishments came in this way into the possession of the feudal landowners, who nominated abbots and abbesses as they appointed the incumbents of their churches.

It has two Protestant churches of which the convent church (Stiftskirche) contains the tombs of famous abbesses, a palace (now used as law courts) and the famous abbey (now occupied by provincial government offices).

On the west it is commanded by the castle, formerly the residence of the abbesses of Quedlinburg, connected with which is the interesting Schlosskirche, which was dedicated in 1129 and completely restored in 1862-82.

neighbouring, but rigorously separated, monasteries of men and of women - the government being in the hands of the abbesses.

Queen Matilda is interred in the choir, and a fine crypt beneath it contains the remains of former abbesses.

Synonyms:

superior, prioress, mother superior, mother,

Antonyms:

inferior, worst, subordinate, low, follower,