noun. A woman employed to educate and train the children of a private household.

To play the governess; act as governess: as, to go out governessing.

To control or direct as a governess.

noun. A woman invested with authority to control and direct; a female ruler: also used figuratively.

noun. Specifically A woman who has the care of instructing and directing children; an instructress: generally applied to one who teaches children in their own homes.

noun. 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.

noun. A woman paid to educate children in their own home.

verb. To work as governess; to educate children in their own home.

noun. a woman entrusted with the care and supervision of a child (especially in a private home)

"The word governess appealed to him; it meant that she had to do with wealthy people, at least."

instructor  teacher  

adviser  amanuensis  butler  chambermaid  chaplain  

abbess  chaperon  chatelaine  dame  dowager