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Webster 1913 Edition

Governess

Gov′ern-ess

,
Noun.
[Cf. OF.
governeresse
. See
Governor
.]
A female governor; a woman invested with authority to control and direct; especially, one intrusted with the care and instruction of children, – usually in their homes.

Webster 1828 Edition

Governess

GOV'ERNESS

,
Noun.
A female invested with authority to control and direct; a tutoress; an instructress; a woman who has the care of instructing and directing young ladies.

Definition 2024

governess

governess

English

Noun

governess ‎(plural governesses, masculine governor)

  1. A woman paid to educate children in their own home.
  2. (rare) A female governor.

Derived terms

Translations

Verb

governess ‎(third-person singular simple present governesses, present participle governessing, simple past and past participle governessed)

  1. To work as governess; to educate children in their own home.

Etymology

From Old French governeresse ‎(“female ruler or administrator”)

Pronunciation

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