anchoress

noun

an·​cho·​ress ˈaŋ-k(ə-)rəs How to pronounce anchoress (audio)
variants or ancress
: a woman who is an anchorite

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ankeresse, from anker hermit, from Old English ancor, from Old Irish anchara, from Late Latin anachoreta

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anchoress was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near anchoress

Cite this Entry

“Anchoress.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anchoress. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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