A governess is a girl or woman employed to teach and train children in a private household. In contrast to a nanny or a babysitter, she concentrates on teaching children, not on meeting their physical needs. Her charges are of school age, not babies.

What does governess mean?

1 : a woman who governs. 2 : a woman who cares for and supervises a child especially in a private household.

Is a female governor called a governess?

The term "governess" is an archaic gendered job title for a politician; now the word "governor" is used for men or women.