1. A father or male parent; used as a title of respect in some religious contexts, especially in early Christianity and Judaism.
Usage: religious; archaic or formal
2. The head of a monastery or convent in some Christian traditions.
Usage: religious; historical

Examples

• In Aramaic, 'abba' is the word a child would use to address their father.
• The term 'abba' appears in early Christian texts as a form of address to God.
• The monastery's abba led the community in prayer each morning.
• Jesus used the word 'abba' in his prayers, emphasizing an intimate relationship with God.