Where does “governess” come from?
Governess derives from Middle English governeresse, from Old French governeresse, a feminine form denoting a woman entrusted with governing or managing household affairs.
governess (English): A woman paid to educate children in their own...
Definitions
- A woman paid to educate children in their own...
Ancestry of “governess”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middle English | governeresse | A woman who controls or leads; a female figure in... |
| 2 | Old French | governeresse | female ruler or administrator |