Word Study
governess
CIDE DICTIONARY
governess, n. [Cf. OF. governeresse. See Governor.].
A female governor; a woman invested with authority to control and direct; especially, one intrusted with the care and instruction of children, -- usually in their homes. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
governess, n. a woman employed to teach children in a private household.
Etymology
earlier governeress f. OF governeresse (as GOVERNOR)
THESAURUS
governess
abbess, chaperon, chatelaine, dame, dowager, duenna, educatress, first lady, goodwife, great lady, homemaker, housewife, instructress, madam, matriarch, matron, mistress, mother superior, schooldame, schoolmarm, schoolmistress, tutoressROGET THESAURUS
governess
Keeper
N keeper, custodian, custos, ranger, warder, jailer, gaoler, turnkey, castellan, guard, watchdog, watchman, Charley, chokidar, durwan, hayward, sentry, sentinel, watch and ward, concierge, coast guard, guarda costa, game keeper, escort, bodyguard, protector, governor, duenna, guardian, governess, nurse, nanny, babysitter, catsitter, dogsitter, bonne, ayah.Teacher
N teacher, trainer, instructor, institutor, master, tutor, director, Corypheus, dry nurse, coach, grinder, crammer, don, governor, bear leader, governess, duenna, disciplinarian, professor, lecturer, reader, prelector, prolocutor, preacher, chalk talker, khoja, pastor, schoolmaster, dominie, usher, pedagogue, abecedarian, schoolmistress, dame, monitor, pupil teacher, expositor, preceptor, guide, guru, mentor, pioneer, apostle, missionary, propagandist, munshi, example, professorship, tutelage, professorial, qui doet discet.For further exploring for "governess" in Webster Dictionary Online