Governess

//ˈɡʌvɚnəs// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A woman paid to educate children in their own home.

    "[Mashenka Pavletsky] returning from a walk to the house of the Kushkins, with whom she was living as a governess, found the household in a terrible turmoil."

  2. 2
    a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home) wordnet
  3. 3
    A female governor. dated

    "“The Gates Ajar” seems to be the favorite song and inspiration of Ma Ferguson in her four years as governor. The lady governess pardoned criminals as soon as they were convicted and was so chronic in her actions that the courts had just about refused to function in convicting anyone."

  4. 4
    The wife of a governor. dated

    "The Lady Governeſs of the Town drew near to me; […]"

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

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle English governesse, a contracted form of governeresse, from Old French governeresse (“female ruler or administrator”). In later senses, equivalent to govern(or) + -ess.

Etymology 2

From Middle English governesse, a contracted form of governeresse, from Old French governeresse (“female ruler or administrator”). In later senses, equivalent to govern(or) + -ess.

Next best steps

Mini challenge

Unscramble this word: governess