foundress

[ foun-dris ]

noun

1. a woman who establishes something, as an institution or religious order; founder.

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of foundress¹

1400–50; late Middle English founderesse; founder ¹, -ess

Example Sentences

The nuns had been preparing for the addition of a St. Joseph shrine, and that involved “the reinterment of the remains of our beloved foundress, Sister Wilhelmina,” the statement said.

From Seattle Times

“So Pocahontas becomes a foundress of the country with early Americans.”

From Los Angeles Times

Because of the order’s foundress, the nuns pray in French three times a week and English the rest of the time.

From Washington Times

Jerkofsky said she combined that with the Sisters of St. Francis Immaculate’s foundress’s approach to service - to look for the greatest need, the one in front of you.

From Washington Times

“The foundress was an extremely savvy businesswoman and financially astute,” Ms. Reed said.

From New York Times