1. Plural of governess; women employed to teach and care for children in a private household.
Usage: Historically common in wealthy families, especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries.; Now less common but still used in some contexts.

Examples

• The wealthy family hired two governesses to educate their four children.
• In Victorian novels, governesses often served as both teachers and companions to young girls.
• The governesses were responsible for the children's lessons in languages, music, and etiquette.
• Many governesses lived in the household and had limited social contact outside the family.
• The position of governess offered educated women a respectable way to earn a living.