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Added 9 October 2026

governess

/ˈɡʌvɚnəs/ noun

noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about governess at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home).

Origin

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.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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