c. 1300, abbese, "female superior of a convent of nuns," from Old French abbesse (12c.), from Late Latin abbatissa (6c.), fem. of abbas (see abbot). Replaced earlier abbotess, from Old Engli [..]

a woman who is the head of the nuns in a convent or abbey

n. The lady superior of a nunnery.

For a young woman to dream that she sees an abbess, denotes that she will be compelled to perform distasteful tasks, and will submit to authority only after unsuccessful rebellion. To dream of an abbess smiling and benignant, denotes you will be surrounded by true friends and pleasing prospects.   

(n) the superior of a group of nuns

Head of an abbey of nuns

A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.en|mother superior *en|bawd,Reverend Mother * Greek: (?? [..]