governess
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Governess — Gov ern*ess, n. [Cf. OF. governeresse. See {Governor}.] A female governor; a woman invested with authority to control and direct; especially, one intrusted with the care and instruction of children, usually in their homes. [1913 Webster] … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
governess — mid 15c., female ruler, shortening of governouresse a woman who rules (late 14c.), from O.Fr. governeresse female ruler or administrator (see GOVERNOR (Cf. governor) + ESS (Cf. ess)); in the sense of a female teacher in a private home it is… … Etymology dictionary
governess — ► NOUN ▪ a woman employed to teach children in a private household. DERIVATIVES governessy adjective … English terms dictionary
governess — [guv′ər nis] n. a woman employed in a private home to train and teach a child or children … English World dictionary
Governess — A governess is a female employee of a family who teaches children within their home. In contrast to a nanny (formerly called a nurse) or a babysitter, she concentrates on teaching children, not their physical needs. Her charges are of school age … Wikipedia
governess — n. a governess for, to (she served as a governess to three small children) * * * [ gʌvənɪs] to (she served as a governess to three small children) a governess for … Combinatory dictionary
governess — UK [ˈɡʌvə(r)nəs] / US [ˈɡʌvərnəs] noun [countable] Word forms governess : singular governess plural governesses a woman whose job was to look after and teach her employer s children in their home, especially in the past … English dictionary
governess — [[t]gʌ̱və(r)nes[/t]] governesses N COUNT A governess is a woman who is employed by a family to live with them and educate their children … English dictionary
governess cart — noun or governess car : a light two wheeled cart entered from the rear with body partly or wholly of wickerwork and with a seat for two persons along each side called also tub cart * * * governess car or governess cart noun (historical) A light… … Useful english dictionary
governess car — noun see governess cart * * * governess car or governess cart noun (historical) A light low two wheeled vehicle with face to face seats at the sides • • • Main Entry: ↑govern * * * governess car or governess cart … Useful english dictionary
governess — noun Date: 15th century 1. a woman who governs 2. a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household … New Collegiate Dictionary
