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Vinony

governess

noun

  1. woman employed to teach and train children in a private household
L321361 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɡʌvɚnəs/ / /ˈɡʌvənəs/ / /ˌɡʌvəˈnɛs/

noun

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.

  1. A woman paid to educate children in their own home.

    “[Mashenka Pavletsky] returning from a walk to the house of the Kushkins, with whom she was living as a governess, found the household in a terrible turmoil.”

    “Boy, you are a crabby lady! Who are you? Calvin's cruel governess?”

  2. A female governor.

    ““The Gates Ajar” seems to be the favorite song and inspiration of Ma Ferguson in her four years as governor. The lady governess pardoned criminals as soon as they were convicted and was so chronic in her actions that the courts had just about refused to function in convicting anyone.”

    “I cannot begin to tell you how tired I am of this woman and all she stands for and all those shallow people who think an Alaskan governess has what it takes to be a VP.”

  3. The wife of a governor.

    “The Lady Governeſs of the Town drew near to me; […]”

    “The common wood strawberry, which was introduced by the Right Hon. Lady Powis [Henrietta Clive, Countess of Powis] when Governess at Madras, grows in great luxuriance and of delightful flavour.”

verb

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.

  1. To work as governess; to educate children in their own home.