An abbess (Latin abbatissa, fem. form of abbas, abbot)'s the female superior, or Mother Superior, of an abbey of nuns. In Roman Catholic and Anglican abbeys, the mode of election, position, rights, and authority of an abbess correspond generally with those of an abbot. The office's elective, the choice being by the secret votes of the sisters from their own body. Like the abbot, the abbess's solemnly admitted to her office by formal blessing, conferred by the bishop in whose territory the monast… (More on Abbess)