Abbess

1. the superior of a group of nuns
2. An abbess (Latin abbatissa, fem. form of abbas, abbot) is the female superior, or Mother Superior, of an abbey of nuns.
3. A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks; A bawd, the mistress of a brothel (1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue)
4. (from masc. abbot; Gr. Hegoumeni). The female superior of a community of nuns appointed by a bishop; Mother Superior. She has general authority over her community and nunnery under the supervision of a bishop.
5. The female form of abbot. The superior of a convent.
6. female head of a nunnery of the Benedictine or related orders