Hello, students. In the world of religious communities, there are specific titles for leaders. The head of a monastery of monks is often called a prior. What do we call the female leader of a community of nuns? This guide explains these important monastic titles.
Prior Opposite Gender
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Prior vs. Prioress: A Clear Comparison
This table explains these religious titles.
| Title | Gender | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Prior | Male | The head of a monastery. |
| Prioress | Female | The head of a convent of nuns. |
What is a Prior?
A prior is the head of a religious house or monastery. In the hierarchy of the Catholic Church, a prior ranks below an abbot. The word comes from the Latin for "former" or "first."
What is a Prioress?
A prioress is the feminine equivalent of a prior. She is a woman who is the head of a priory, which is a house or convent of nuns.
Understanding Monastic Titles
In Christian monasticism, the leadership structure has specific, gendered titles. A monastery for men is led by an Abbot or a Prior. A convent for women is led by an Abbess or a Prioress. The title depends on the size and status of the religious house.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior Feminine Gender
The feminine gender of 'Prior' is Prioress.
Prior Opposite Gender
The opposite gender of a Prior is a Prioress. Prior is a male gender term and Prioress is a female gender term.
Female equivalent of Prior
The female equivalent of a Prior is a Prioress.
Practice Exercises
Worksheet: Choose the Correct Term
Fill in the blanks with the correct term: prior or prioress.
- The _______ led the nuns in their morning prayers.
- Brother Thomas reported to the _______ of the monastery.
- The visiting bishop met with the _______ to discuss the convent's future.
- The _______ was responsible for all the monks in his care.
Discover More Feminine Genders
Curious about other Male/Female Genders? Dive into our collection!