abbot meaning: definition, etymology

abbot

noun

AU, CA, US, UK /ˈæbət/ · UK, SC, WA /ˈabət/

Etymology From Middle English abbot, abbod, abbed, from Old English abbat, abbad, abbod, from Latin abbās (“father”), from Ancient Greek ἀββᾶς (abbâs), from Aramaic אבא (’abbā, “father”). Doublet of abba, abbé, and bwana.

The superior or head of an abbey or monastery.

The newly appointed abbot decided to take a tour of the abbey with the cardinal's emissary.

The pastor or administrator of an order, including minor and major orders starting with the minor order of porter.

A layman who received the abbey's revenues, after the closing of the monasteries.

British, Archaic, Slang A brothel-owner's husband or lover.

British, Archaic, Slang A ponce; a man employed by a prostitute to find clients, and who may also act as a bodyguard or equivalent to a bouncer.

Derived terms: 40 terms
Abbot, abbot-bishop, abbotcy, abbotess, Abbotford, abbot-general, abbot general, abbot nullius, Abbot of Misrule, abbot of the people, Abbot of Unreason, abbot on the cross, abbot primate, abbotric, abbotry, Abbots Bromley, Abbotsbury, Abbotsford, Abbotsham, abbotship, Abbots Langley, Abbots Ripton, Abbott, Abbottford, Abbottsford, Abot, Abott, archabbot, Aston Abbotts, cardinal-abbot, croziered abbot, Hanham Abbots, Hemingford Abbots, Manningford Abbots, Milton Abbot, mitred abbot, mitered abbot, Newton Abbot, subabbot, titular abbot
Related terms: abba, abbacy, abbatial, abbé, abbess, Abraham, Abu Dhabi, archimandrite, monk, prior, rector