What is the masculine equivalent of governess?

Answer 1

There is no male equivalent for governess. Men who were hired to teach boys who for some reason were not sent to public school were called tutors. They had a much higher status than a governess and were paid a much higher wage. Their duties were different. A male tutor provided the educational lessons and was not considered a caretaker. He would have the responsibility of educating older boys. He was often a university trained young man and a member of the clergy or on the way to becoming one. His status in the household as well as his social status were generally higher than that of the governess. A governess was with the children for most of their waking hours, teaching and training and generally keeping them out of the way and occupied. Generally, she had the care of small boys only until they were sent off to school or transferred to the 'tutelage' of a tutor.