ETYM Latin archimandrita, LGr.; pref. arch- + mandra an inclosed space, esp. for cattle, a fold, a monastery.
1. A chief of a monastery, corresponding to abbot in the Roman Catholic church.
2. A superintendent of several monasteries, corresponding to superior abbot, or father provincial, in the Roman Catholic church.
Head of a monastery or convent.
Superior of large monastery of Greek Church; abbot.