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Glite Dictionary
abbé

abbé

1 9.9
A French Catholic priest often not in charge of a parish
  • noun
  • /æˈbeɪ/
translation icon : abate
  • Abbé Pierre Maillard became well-known for his dedication to helping those in need.

Examples

  • The local abbé often visited the village to offer guidance and support.

  • Tell me, abbé, why is he in your care and not a proper prison?

    Quills (2000)

  • You keep strange company, abbé.

    Quills (2000)

  • I'd have thought that was your duty, abbé.

    Quills (2000)

  • Care for a splash of wine, abbé?

    Quills (2000)

  • You'd best come quick, abbé.

    Quills (2000)

  • "It was the Abbé Jean Lebrisseux, his first teacher.

    Academic text (2003)

  • The Abbé would then say, "That, my young friend, is the whimsy of the muse."

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Abbé Pierre Maillard worked among the Micmac in one of the most difficult moments of their history.

    Academic text (2002)

  • During the festivities, the abbé led the prayers for peace and prosperity.

Synonyms

abbe
vsabbé
9.9

A French priest who holds a church title like an abbot

is a secular priest often without parish duties and sometimes a scholar or companion

Surface Forms

abbé singular
abbés plural

Etymology

Abbé comes from the old Aramaic word abba, meaning 'father', which passed into Latin as abbas and then into French. So an abbé was called like a 'father', which is why the word refers to a priest or clergyman and sometimes to a learned companion who acted as a spiritual father to the wealthy.