Etymology Explorer › Middle English

Where does “governeresse” come from?

governeresse (Middle English) comes from Old French governeresse — female ruler or administrator.

governeresse (Middle English): A woman who controls or leads; a female figure in...

Definitions

  1. A woman who controls or leads; a female figure in...

Ancestry of “governeresse”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Old Frenchgoverneressefemale ruler or administrator

Words derived from “governeresse”

  • governess
  • governessy
  • governessship
  • governesslike
  • governoress
  • governesshood
  • governessless
Every word from Old French governeresse →