Middle English Dictionary Entry
governesse n.
Entry Info
| Forms | governesse n. |
| Etymology | From governeresse . |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A tutelary goddess; (b) protectress, keeper.
Associated quotations
a
- c1450 Lydg.FP (Roy 18.D.4)1.4312 : Gouernesse [Bod: Yrion..Was enamourid..Vpon Juno..Gouerneresse and goddesse off the hair].
b
- c1450(a1449) Lydg.Prayer MQH (Tan 110(2))15 : Gouernesse [Tan(2): In gostly woundes be ther gouerneresse, To thy v Ioies þat haue deuocioun].
- c1475(a1449) Lydg.Letab.(Trin-C R.3.21)114 : Gouernesse [Hrl: Geyn worldly trouble our governeresse].