Warderess

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A female prison officer responsible for supervising and maintaining order among incarcerated individuals
2. A woman who oversees the safety and discipline of those in confinement within a correctional facility
3. A woman employed to watch over prisoners and ensure their control

Etymology: "Warderess" is a plain formation: the noun "warder," meaning a guard or keeper, with the feminine suffix "-ess" attached. The suffix came into English from Old French "-esse," which in turn descends from Late Latin "-issa," and it has long been used to mark women who hold or do a role traditionally named by a masculine noun, as in "actress" or "hostess." "Warder" itself is the older and more interesting half. It comes from Middle English "wardere," a noun formed from the verb "ward" in the sense of watching over or guarding, and it has been in English for centuries as a term for someone who keeps watch over people or property. In British usage it became the standard title for prison officers, so a "warderess" is simply the female counterpart of that job, a term that came into use as women were appointed to guard female prisoners.

Synonyms: female guard, keeper