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

References

“Covent Garden abbess” in Albert Barrère and Charles G[odfrey] Leland, compilers and editors, A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant, volume I (A–K), Edinburgh: The Ballantyne Press, 1889–1890, pages 275–276.
Farmer, John Stephen (1891) Slang and Its Analogues‎, volume 2, page 193

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