Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AB'BE, n. [Ab'by, from abba.]

In a monastic sense, the same as an abbot; but more generally, a title, in Catholic countries, without any determinate rank, office or rights. The abbes are numerous, and generally have tome literary attainments; they dress as academics or scholars, and act as instructors, in colleges and private families; or as tutors to young gentlemen on their travels; and many of them become authors.