—-An abbess, or mother superior, is a nun who is the head of a convent. The related office is an abbot which is the masculine title for the head of a monastery or abbey.
What was the role of the abbot in a monastery?
In Greek practice the title or function of Abbot corresponds to a person who serves as the head of a monastery, although the title of the Archimandrite may be given to any celibate priest who could serve as the head of a monastery.
What does abbess mean in history?
: a woman who is the superior of a convent of nuns.