abbacy

American  

[ab-uh-see] / ˈæb ə si /

noun

plural

abbacies

1. the rank, rights, privileges, or jurisdiction of an abbot.

2. the term of office of an abbot.

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abbacy British  

/ ˈæbəsɪ /

noun

1. the office, term of office, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess

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Etymology

Origin of abbacy

1400–50; late Middle English abbacie, abbat ( h ) ie < Late Latin abbātia ( abbey ), equivalent to abbāt- ( abbot ) + -ia -ia

Example Sentences

Scrabble annoys me; I can’t trust a game in which a well-played za scores more points than, well, abbacy.

From Slate • Feb. 19, 2020

In 1718, he was elected to the abbacy of St. Leopold, in Nancy; and ten years afterwards, to that of Senones, where he spent the remainder of his days.

From The Phantom World or, The philosophy of spirits, apparitions, &c, &c. by Christmas, Henry

The first outcome of the new connexion was his appointment to the abbacy of Aberbrothock by the queen regent, before her marriage, probably in June 1514.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 6 "Dodwell" to "Drama" by Various

Before she would give her consent to the change, Zurich demanded of him a public avowal, in favor of the Reformation, and an oath to protect the people of the abbacy.

From The Life and Times of Ulric Zwingli by Hottinger, Johann Jakob

The governor-general Frei still prolonged his official term at Wyl, stirred up the people of the abbacy and conducted their affairs.

From The Life and Times of Ulric Zwingli by Hottinger, Johann Jakob