headmistress
UK: /ˌhedˈmɪs.trəs/ | US: /ˌhedˈmɪs.trəs/
n. a woman who is the principal of a school, especially a private school
The word "headmistress" combines "head," derived from Old English "hēafod" (top or leader), and "mistress," from Old French "maistresse" (female teacher or authority figure, feminine form of "maister"). The term emerged in the 18th century to designate the female counterpart to a "headmaster," reflecting gendered roles in educational leadership. The morphemes preserve their original meanings—"head" as leadership and "mistress" as a woman in authority—while the compound structure logically mirrors "headmaster."
The headmistress announced a new policy during assembly.
She became headmistress after 20 years of teaching at the school.
Parents praised the headmistress for her dedication to student welfare.
The headmistress oversees both academic and disciplinary matters.
A former student returned to thank the headmistress for her guidance.