'prioress' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'prioresse,' which was derived from Old French 'prieuresse,' where 'prieur' meant 'prior.'

'prieuresse' transformed into the Middle English word 'prioresse,' and eventually became the modern English word 'prioress.'

Initially, it meant 'head of a priory,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.