governoress
/ˈɡʌv(ə)nərɪs/ /ˈɡʌv(ə)nərɛs/ /ˈɡʌvənərɪs/(also governeress) rare (nonstandard ) in later use
noun
1A woman responsible for a child or young person; a female tutor or guardian. Compare later governess.
2A woman who has authority or influence; (in later use) specifically a female governor. Often figurative and in extended use.
Origin
Late Middle English; earliest use found in Thomas Hoccleve (c1367–1426), poet and clerk. Originally (i) from Middle French gouverneresse woman who has authority or influence, female leader, female teacher, tutor, or guardian from gouverneur + -esse.