Pronunciation: [ˈabət] (IPA) 
The word "abbot" has a double "b" because it comes from the Latin "abbas," which also has a double consonant. The IPA phonetic transcription for "abbot" is /ˈæbət/. The first sound is the "a" sound in "cat," the second sound is a short "u" sound as in "butter," while the third sound is a "b" sound. The final sound is a "t" sound, which is similar to the "t" sound in "cat."
An abbot is a term primarily used in the context of monasticism to refer to the superior or head of an abbey or monastery. The term originates from the Latin word "abbas" and the Greek word "abba," both meaning "father," emphasizing the spiritual and paternal role of an abbot within the community.
An abbot is a clergyman who holds authority and is responsible for the governance and overall administration of the abbey. They are elected or appointed by their monastic community, often with the approval or confirmation of a higher ecclesiastical authority. The role of an abbot involves guiding and supervising the spiritual and temporal affairs of the abbey, ensuring discipline and adherence to the monastic rule or constitution.
The abbot plays a crucial role as the spiritual leader, providing guidance, pastoral care, and leadership to the monks under their jurisdiction. They are responsible for maintaining the spiritual, physical, and financial well-being of the monastery, and may also have authority over the abbey's lands and properties. Additionally, an abbot may represent their abbey or order in external matters, such as ecclesiastical or administrative responsibilities.
In summary, an abbot is the head of an abbey or monastery, chosen to lead and govern the monastic community. They have multi-faceted responsibilities encompassing spiritual, administrative, and pastoral aspects, to ensure the well-being and order within the monastic institution.
The superior or chief person over an abbey or monastery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "abbot" derives from the Late Latin term "abbas", which itself was borrowed from the Greek word "abbas" or "abba". In turn, the Greek term was originated from Aramaic, a Semitic language spoken in the Middle East. "Abba" in Aramaic meant "father" or "daddy" and was later used to address a spiritual or religious authority. Through Christian and monastic traditions, "abbas" was adopted to refer to the superior or head of a monastery or an abbey. This term eventually made its way into English as "abbot" around the 14th century.
