abbot

noun ab·bot \ ˈa-bət \

Definition of abbot

: the superior of a monastery for men

See abbot defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of abbot from the Web

Wirathu, the abbot of the Masoeyein monastery in Mandalay, has taken a leading role in spreading the anti-Muslim sentiment among Myanmar’s Buddhist majority that has underpinned the army’s campaign against the ethnic Rohingya minority.

— james hookway, WSJ, "Buddhist Leader Spreads Hatred of Muslims in Myanmar," 12 Oct. 2017
Vanna Sara, a Buddhist abbot at Sittwe’s Seik Ke Daw Min monastery, said harsh policies were necessary to protect Buddhists.

— Washington Post, "In Myanmar, one girl’s plight epitomizes Rohingya struggle," 5 July 2017
The glass encased skeleton at Wat Pah Nanachat, a forest monastery in northeast Thailand, belonged to a local woman years before the former abbot had her bones disinterred and put on show in the meditation hall.

— joseph hincks / hong kong, Time, "This Is How It Feels to Eat 13-Year-Old Steak," 30 Aug. 2017
Vanna Sara, a Buddhist abbot at Sittwe’s Seik Ke Daw Min monastery, said harsh policies were necessary to protect Buddhists.

— Washington Post, "In Myanmar, one girl’s plight epitomizes Rohingya struggle," 5 July 2017
Vanna Sara, a Buddhist abbot at Sittwe’s Seik Ke Daw Min monastery, said harsh policies were necessary to protect Buddhists.

— Washington Post, "In Myanmar, one girl’s plight epitomizes Rohingya struggle," 5 July 2017
The complex was largely laid out by the young abbot St. Kornily (Cornelius) in the 1500s.

— joe grimm, Detroit Free Press, "Travel: Exploring the historic walled cities of northwestern Russia," 15 July 2017
Vanna Sara, a Buddhist abbot at Sittwe’s Seik Ke Daw Min monastery, said harsh policies were necessary to protect Buddhists.

— Washington Post, "In Myanmar, one girl’s plight epitomizes Rohingya struggle," 5 July 2017
Vanna Sara, a Buddhist abbot at Sittwe’s Seik Ke Daw Min monastery, said harsh policies were necessary to protect Buddhists.

— Washington Post, "In Myanmar, one girl’s plight epitomizes Rohingya struggle," 5 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'abbot.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of abbot

Middle English abbot, abbod, going back to Old English, borrowed from Late Latin abbāt-, abbās, borrowed from Late Greek abbâs (also, a title of respect given to monks), borrowed from Aramaic abbā "father"

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First Known Use: before 12th century

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