governess

governess
governess mid-15c., "female ruler," shortening of governouresse "a woman who rules" (late 14c.), from O.Fr. governeresse "female ruler or administrator" (see GOVERNOR (Cf. governor) + -ESS (Cf. -ess)); in the sense of "a female teacher in a private home" it is attested from 1712.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Governess — Gov ern*ess, n. [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. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • governess — ► NOUN ▪ a woman employed to teach children in a private household. DERIVATIVES governessy adjective …   English terms dictionary

  • governess — [guv′ər nis] n. a woman employed in a private home to train and teach a child or children …   English World dictionary

  • Governess — A governess is a female employee of a family who teaches children within their home. In contrast to a nanny (formerly called a nurse) or a babysitter, she concentrates on teaching children, not their physical needs. Her charges are of school age …   Wikipedia

  • governess — n. a governess for, to (she served as a governess to three small children) * * * [ gʌvənɪs] to (she served as a governess to three small children) a governess for …   Combinatory dictionary

  • governess — UK [ˈɡʌvə(r)nəs] / US [ˈɡʌvərnəs] noun [countable] Word forms governess : singular governess plural governesses a woman whose job was to look after and teach her employer s children in their home, especially in the past …   English dictionary

  • governess — [[t]gʌ̱və(r)nes[/t]] governesses N COUNT A governess is a woman who is employed by a family to live with them and educate their children …   English dictionary

  • governess cart — noun or governess car : a light two wheeled cart entered from the rear with body partly or wholly of wickerwork and with a seat for two persons along each side called also tub cart * * * governess car or governess cart noun (historical) A light… …   Useful english dictionary

  • governess car — noun see governess cart * * * governess car or governess cart noun (historical) A light low two wheeled vehicle with face to face seats at the sides • • • Main Entry: ↑govern * * * governess car or governess cart …   Useful english dictionary

  • governess — noun Date: 15th century 1. a woman who governs 2. a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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