Eldress

[f. ELDER sb.³ + -ESS.] A female elder, a woman ordained to rule or teach in a church.

1640.  Bp. Hall, Episc., III. § 4. 237. I suppose no man will think S. Paul meant to ordain Eldresses in the Church.

1753.  Whitefield, Lett. to Zinzendorf, Wks. 1771, IV. 255. Over the head of the general Eldress, was placed her own picture.

1880.  Howells, Undisc. Country, xii. 172. The office sisters consulted with the eldress.