1. the wife or widow of an elector of the Holy Roman Empire
Usage: historical
2. a female elector, especially in the Holy Roman Empire
Usage: historical

Examples

• The Electress Sophia of Hanover was heir to the British throne.
• She held the title of electress through her marriage to the elector.
• The electress maintained her own court separate from her husband’s.
• Historical records show the electress wielding considerable political influence.
• The electress’s portrait hangs in the palace gallery.
• She became electress upon her husband’s succession to the electoral dignity.