Pronunciation: [pɹˈa͡ɪɔːs] (IPA) 
The word "prioress" refers to a female religious leader who ranks immediately below an abbess in a nunnery. It is spelled with the letters p, r, i, o, r, e, s, and s. In the IPA phonetic transcription system, the word is pronounced as /praɪərɛs/. The stress is on the second syllable, which features the "ai" vowel combination, representing the "a" sound in "bait".
A prioress is a noun that refers to a female who holds the highest rank in a convent or religious community comprised of nuns. Derived from the Latin word 'prior', meaning 'superior' or 'leader', a prioress is a woman with authority and responsibility over the other nuns within the convent.
In terms of religious hierarchy, a prioress is considered higher in rank than the other nuns and is typically elected or appointed to the position for a specific term. She is responsible for overseeing the spiritual, administrative, and social aspects of the convent, ensuring the smooth functioning of daily activities and the overall well-being of the community. A prioress may lead prayers, religious ceremonies, and other devotional practices, as well as make important decisions regarding the convent's affairs.
Besides her role within the convent, a prioress often acts as a representative and ambassador of the religious community to the outside world. She may be responsible for maintaining relationships and connections with other religious institutions, as well as participating in various religious and community events on behalf of her convent. A prioress must possess strong leadership qualities, spiritual knowledge, and a deep commitment to her faith in order to fulfil her duties effectively.
The female superior of a nunnery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "prioress" originated from the Old French word "priorise", which is the feminine form of "prior".
The term "prior" itself is derived from the Latin word "prior", meaning "former" or "superior". In the Middle Ages, a prioress was the female head of a cloistered religious community of nuns, and the term was used to denote her rank and position within the convent.
