abbacy

The story

1. Late Latin · derived fromabbātia
2. Middle English · inherited fromabbathie
3. English todayabbacy

From Middle English abbathie, from Late Latin abbātia, from abbās, abbātis (“abbot”). Doublet of abbey and Opatija.

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• First attested around 1350 to 1470. The dignity, estate, term, or jurisdiction of an abbot or abbess.