anchoress

American  

[ang-ker-is] / ˈæŋ kər ɪs /

noun

1. a woman who is an anchorite.

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Gender

What's the difference between anchoress and anchor? See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of anchoress

First recorded in 1350–1400; late Middle English anchoryse, Middle English ankres, equivalent to ancre anchorite + -es -ess

Example Sentences

Julian lived as an anchoress, a type of religious hermit, and was likely bricked up inside a small stone cell during her 40-odd years of monastic life.

From New York Times • Jan. 21, 2011

What hath this holy anchoress done, that thou burthenest thyself with the sore burden of her blood?

From Alaeddin and the Enchanted Lamp by Payne, John

She is apparently not to be confused with another famous anchoress, Julian Lampet, bequests to whom are often recorded in Norwich wills between 1426 and 1478.

From Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535 by Power, Eileen

The "cold, wise one," the "anchoress," fell in love with him soon after the lessons began, but carefully hid her feelings from every one.

From The Loves of Great Composers by Kobbé, Gustav

Joan Sperry, nun of Clementhorpe, was anchoress at Beeston near Leeds in 1322, and in 1348 Margaret la Boteler, nun of Hampole, was anchoress at the chapel of East Layton, Yorks.

From Medieval English Nunneries c. 1275 to 1535 by Power, Eileen