Definition

A woman who holds a position of authority or respect, particularly among a group or community, such as the Shakers.

Example

The eldress led the meeting with wisdom and grace.

Conversation

I met an interesting eldress at the community center yesterday.

Oh really? What did she talk about?

She shared some fascinating stories about her life and the Shaker community.

That sounds amazing! I'd love to hear more about what she said.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Eldress → The word originates from Old English 'eld' (meaning old or elder) and the suffix '-ress' (a feminine agent suffix). An 'eldress' refers to an older woman, often one who holds a position of authority or respect due to her age.

Memory Tip

Think of 'eld' meaning old, and '-ress' indicating a woman. This helps you remember that an 'eldress' is an older woman, often respected for her wisdom.

Visually Confused Words