governess

== English == === Etymology === 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. === Pronunciation === (US) IPA(key): /ˈɡʌvɚnəs/ (UK) IPA(key): /ˈɡʌvənəs/, /ˌɡʌvəˈnɛs/ === Noun === governess (plural governesses) A woman paid to educate children in their own home. Synonym: (nonstandard) governoress (dated) A female governor. Synonyms: (dated) governoress, (rare) gubernatrix (dated) The wife of a governor. Synonym: (dated) governoress ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === Verb === governess (third-person singular simple present governesses, present participle governessing, simple past and past participle governessed) To work as governess; to educate children in their own home.