Legal Definitions - abbess

An abbess is a female spiritual leader who is in charge of a convent. This is a position of authority in the church.

• Sister Mary was appointed as the new abbess of the convent.
• The abbess was responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the nuns under her care.

These examples illustrate how an abbess is a female leader who is responsible for the spiritual and physical well-being of the nuns in her convent. She is in charge of making decisions and providing guidance to the members of her community.