Originally an abbot, but more commonly the term applied to a member of the diocesan clergy in french-speaking countries. Eventually abbé came to apply to all who were entitled to similar Used as a title for the superior of a monastery in a french-speaking area.

[french, from old french abbe, from late latin abbäs, abbät-, abbot; See abbot. ] american heritage® dictionary of the … (especially in france) see examples of abbé used in a sentence. Historically, 'abbe' is a french word that was used to refer to a member of the secular clergy in the roman catholic church, or simply, a clergyman or an abbot. The meaning of abbé is a member of the french secular clergy in major or minor orders â€used as a title. It is also the title used for lower-ranking catholic clergy in france who are not members of religious orders. There is one meaning in oed's entry for the noun abbé.

The meaning of abbé is a member of the french secular clergy in major or minor orders â€used as a title. It is also the title used for lower-ranking catholic clergy in france who are not members of religious orders. There is one meaning in oed's entry for the noun abbé. See ‘meaning & use’ for definition, usage, and quotation evidence. How common is the noun abbé? What is the etymology of the noun abbé?

What is the etymology of the noun abbé?