Covent Garden abbess
English
Etymology
A reference to the brothels and prostitutes that were once common in and around Covent Garden in London.
Noun
Covent Garden abbess (plural Covent Garden abbesses)
- (archaic, British slang) A procuress; a woman who procures customers for prostitutes.
Related terms
- abbess (“brothel madam”), Covent Garden ague, Covent Garden nun
Translations
References
- Albert Barrère and Charles G[odfrey] Leland, compilers and editors (1889–1890) “Covent Garden abbess”, in A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant […], volumes I (A–K), Edinburgh: […] The Ballantyne Press, →OCLC, pages 275–276.
- John S[tephen] Farmer; W[illiam] E[rnest] Henley, compilers (1891) “Covent Garden abbess”, in Slang and Its Analogues Past and Present. […], volume II, [London: […] Harrison and Sons] […], →OCLC, page 193.
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