abbot-generaln.

1607 J. Cowell Interpreter sig. A1^v/2 Those that were mitred, were exempted from the iurisdiction of the diocesan, hauing in themselues episcopal authoritie within their precincts, and being also Lords of the Parlament... And these were called Abbots soueraigne..and Abbots generals.

1670 J. Evelyn tr. Moral Pract. Jesuites 180 The Priory of St. James..now is possessed by the reformed Fryars of the said Order [sc. Order of St Benedict], the collation and provision reserved by express terms to the Abbot-General of the Order of Cluny.

1725 Daily Courant 22 Apr. 1/1 The Archbishop of Vienne in Dauphiné, Abbot-General of that Order [sc. Order of Cluny], opened the Chapter with a fine Latin Oration.

1795 J. C. Murphy Trav. Portugal 101 The junior Friars are very respectful and submissive to their superiors, and all are obedient to the Abbot-general, who presides as chief.

1842 Times 24 Jan. 6/6 He appointed the abbot-general of the Convent of St. Lazarus, and his successors, the directors and managers of the charity, and the depositaries of the charity fund.

1897 B. Camm Benedictine Martyr iv. 82 In the Order of St. Benedict..a confederacy of Abbeys and Priories,..united together under one President (sometimes called Abbot-General or Arch-Abbot).

1912 F. J. Bliss Relig. Mod. Syria & Palestine ii. 118 Controlling each order is an abbot-general elected once in three years at a general council.

1974 F. L. Cross & E. A. Livingstone Oxf. Dict. Christian Church (ed. 2) 948/2 Mozetta, a short cape-like garment to which a small hood is attached, worn by the Pope, cardinals, exempt abbots, abbots-general, and other privileged dignitaries.

2008 Irish Independent (Nexis) 9 Sept. There is no fixed term of office for an Abbot General, but he must offer his resignation on reaching 75.