[1570–80; ancest(o)r + -ess]This word is first recorded in the period 1570–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: deadhead, duster, huddle, pigeonhole, skeleton-ess is a suffix forming distinctively feminine nouns. Other words that use the affix-ess include: actress, adventuress, conductress, heiress, proprietress
Examples of 'ancestress' in a sentence
ancestress
A gilt-framed ancestress with a fine décolletage over the fireplace creates a delicate feminine sensibility.