abbot

Meaning

1. 1nouncountablereligion

   The male head monk who governs a monastery and is responsible for its religious community.

   Grammar: Takes a plural: one abbot, two abbots; the female counterpart is an abbess.

   Patterns

   • the abbot of a monastery
   • elect an abbot
   • ask the abbot for guidance

   The abbot greeted the visitors at the monastery gate.

   Brother Tomas was chosen as abbot after years of service.

   She asked the abbot about the history of the chapel.

Word forms

Common combinations

the abbot of a monastery

The abbot of the monastery approved the new library hours.

elect an abbot

The monks will elect an abbot next spring.

a former abbot

A former abbot spoke about simplicity and work.

the abbot's blessing

The gardener received the abbot's blessing before planting the orchard.

Synonyms and how they differ

superior

Superior is broader and can head some religious houses; abbot specifically means the male head of a monastery.

prior

A prior often ranks below an abbot or leads a smaller house, so it does not always match the same authority.

Word family

abbess noun

The female head of a convent of nuns.

abbacy noun

The position, term, or office of an abbot.

monastery noun

The religious community or building that an abbot governs.

Commonly confused: abbot or abba? abbot or abbess?

Practice

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