Usage examples for abbess:

• The abbess led Edith by the hand, and at a sign from the King, withdrew. "Harold, Complete The Last Of The Saxon Kings" – Edward Bulwer-Lytton

• Your Lordship may remember, every nun at Hamburgh has a right of marrying, except the abbess and that, on your Lordship's telling the lady who then presided, and who was young and very handsome, you thought this a hardship, she answered with great spirit, " O, my Lord, you know it is in my power to resign." "The History of Emily Montague" – Frances Brooke