The·re·sa or Te·re·sa 
(tə-rēsə, -zə, -rā-), Saint. Known as "Theresa of Ávila." 1515-1582.
(tə-rēsə, -zə, -rā-), Saint. Known as "Theresa of Ávila." 1515-1582. Spanish nun and mystical writer who founded the reformed order of Carmelites (1562). Her works include The Way of Perfection, published posthumously.