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Dictionary Language resources

governess

Pronunciation: /ˈgʌv(ə)nɪs/

Translate governess | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish

Definition of governess

noun

(especially in former times) a woman employed to teach children in a private household.

Origin:

Middle English (originally governeress, denoting a female ruler): from Old French governeresse, feminine of governeour 'governor', from Latin gubernator, from gubernare (see govern)