rectress
(ˈrɛktrɪs)
Also 7 rect'ress.
[See rector, rectrix, and -ess.]
† 1. A female ruler or governor. Obs.
| 1603 B. Jonson Sejanus v. vi, Great mother Fortvne,..Queene of humane state, Rectresse of Action. 1605 Drayton Man in Moone 301 The mighty rectres of this globe below. 1656 S. Holland Zara (1719) 59 Great Heccat, Rectress of Shades, Plashey Grots, and gloomy Glades. |
| fig. 1634 T. Johnson Parey's Chirurg. xxiv. x. (1678) 541 For there [in the head] the soul of life, which is the rectress or governess, is situated. |
2. The female head of a school or institution.
| a 1843 Southey Comm.-pl. Bk. Ser. ii. (1849) 30 Their superior was called the Prepostress, and they had Visitoresses, Rectresses, and other dignitaries, all in the feminine gender. 1893 J. Fahey Hist. Kilmacduagh 419 Rectress of the convent at Clarinbridge. |
3. = rectoress 2.
rare.
| 1906 Month July 66 The rector and rectress, and their two delicate-looking, perfectly-dressed daughters. |