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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Abb'e \Ab"b['e]`\ ([.a]b"b[asl]`), n. [F. abb['e]. See {Abbot}.]
The French word answering to the English abbot, the head of
an abbey; but commonly a title of respect given in France to
every one vested with the ecclesiastical habit or dress.
[1913 Webster]

Note: After the 16th century, the name was given, in social
parlance, to candidates for some priory or abbey in the
gift of the crown. Many of these aspirants became well
known in literary and fashionable life. By further
extension, the name came to be applied to unbeneficed
secular ecclesiastics generally. --Littr['e].
[1913 Webster]