abbé

[ a-bey, ab-ey; French a-bey ]

noun

, plural ab·bés [a-, beyz, ab, -eyz, a, -, bey].

1. (especially in France)
   1. a member of the secular clergy.
   2. a title of respect for any ecclesiastic or clergyman.

abbé

¹

/ abe; ˈæbeɪ /

noun

1. a French abbot
2. a title used in addressing any other French cleric, such as a priest

Abbe

²

/ ˈaːbə; ˈæbɪ /

noun

1. AbbeErnst18401905MGermanSCIENCE: physicist Ernst. 1840–1905, German physicist, noted for his work in optics and the microscope condenser known as the Abbe condenser

Word History and Origins

Origin of abbé¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from French, Middle French, from Late Latin abbāte(m), accusative of abbās abbot

Example Sentences

Napoleon was heir to the French Revolution, not Abbé Sieyes, a serial writer of constitutions that were never adopted for long.

From The Daily Beast

Gensonné picked up a lock of his black hair, and gave it to the Abbé Lambert to give to his wife.

From Project Gutenberg

Each gave to the abbé some legacy of affection to be conveyed to loved ones who were to be left behind.

From Project Gutenberg

The ancient monks gave this name to the superior whom they elected; the abbé was their spiritual father.

From Project Gutenberg

She seemed to listen eagerly to all the Abbé said to her, but she was thinking of her short conversation with Barrington.

From Project Gutenberg

The depth was not, however, above the Abbé's waist, and when he rose his look of furious misery was too comical for any pity.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• minister