1. plural of electress; wives or widows of electors in the Holy Roman Empire
Usage: historical

Examples

• The electresses attended the imperial court ceremonies.
• Several electresses wielded considerable political influence in their territories.
• The electress of Saxony was known for her patronage of the arts.
• Historical records document the correspondence between various electresses.
• The electresses often served as regents during their husbands’ absences.