governeresse

== Middle English == === Alternative forms === governouresse, governesse === Etymology === Borrowed from Old French governeresse; equivalent to governour +‎ -esse. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ɡuˈvɛrnərɛs(ə)/, /ɡuˈvɛrnɛs(ə)/ === Noun === governeresse A woman who controls or leads; a female figure in charge. A female guardian or protector; a governess. (rare) A dominating influence portrayed allegorically. ==== Descendants ==== English: governess, governoress ==== References ==== “governeresse, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 28 November 2018. “governesse, n.”, in MED Online, Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan, 2007, retrieved 28 November 2018.