Correct spelling for the English word "contesse" is [kəntˈɛs], [kəntˈɛs], [k_ə_n_t_ˈɛ_s] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
The word "contesse" has its etymology in Old French, which in turn originated from the Latin word "comitissa". "Comitissa" was derived from the Latin word "comes" meaning "companion" or "one who accompanies". In medieval times, "contesse" referred to the wife or widow of a count, and later evolved to mean a noblewoman in general.