Dictionary

sophistress en · NOUN

Etymology

From sophist + -ress and sophister + -ess.

Meanings

1. (archaic, derogatory, historical) A female sophist.
   • “Every person,” replied Ellen, deeply blushing, “is warranted in giving their opinion of another. No human creature is perfect; but where the good qualities of any character predominate, I should certainly be inclined to overlook the lesser imperfections which might shade it.” “Admirable sophistress!” said the Signora archly […] 1808, Henrietta Rouviere, chapter 8, in The Old Irish Baronet, volume 2, London: Lane, Newman, & Co, page 160:
   • VVhat vvill you ſay to Aſpatia Mileſia, vvho is Celebrated as a Sophiſtreſs, (you knovv the VVord Sophister vvas not then abus'd) a Teacher of Rethorick, and a Poeteſs? 1691, [William Walsh], A Dialogue Concerning Women, Being a Defence of the Sex. […], London: […] R[ichard] Bentley […], and J[acob] Tonson […], →OCLC, page 89:
   • 1677, Thomas D’Urfey, A Fond Husband, London: James Magnes & Richard Bentley, Act V, Scene 5, p. 61, Now the mighty Sophistress is o’erthrown!

Forms