Anchoress is a term used to describe a female religious recluse who lives a solitary life of prayer and penance. There are several synonyms for anchoress, including hermitess, anchorite, solitary, recluse, and ascetic. These terms all describe women who choose to live a life of isolation and devotion to their faith. The term hermitess refers specifically to a female hermit, while an ascetic is someone who practices extreme self-discipline and self-denial for spiritual reasons. Regardless of the term used, anchoresses have a long and rich history in various religious traditions, and serve as a reminder of the power of devotion and self-sacrifice.