noun
Jewess
JOO-ehs
noun
1
A Jewish woman or girl (now often considered dated or potentially offensive).
"The old novel described her simply as "a Jewess from Vienna.""
"Modern style guides recommend "Jewish woman" instead of this older term."
How to Use Jewess
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn older word for a Jewish woman, rarely used in current writing.
When to use it
Considered old-fashioned and by many speakers inappropriate today; "Jewish woman" is the standard modern phrasing.
Word Forms
Jewesses plural
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The old novel described her simply as "a _____ from Vienna."
Etymology
From Middle English "Jewesse," itself from Old French — built from "Jew" plus the feminine ending "-ess."