傅母 (fù mǔ) was a historical term referring to a female tutor or governess employed in ancient Chinese aristocratic and imperial households. Typically a mature, virtuous, and well-educated woman, she was responsible for instructing noble girls and young princes in etiquette, literature, music, needlework, and moral conduct—preparing them for their future roles as wives, consorts, or rulers.

The character 傅 (fù) means 'tutor' or 'mentor', often implying formal instruction and guidance, while 母 (mǔ) literally means 'mother' but here conveys nurturing care and authority—not biological motherhood, but maternal-like supervision and discipline. Though the term includes 母, a 傅母 was not a relative; her role blended pedagogy and guardianship, reflecting Confucian ideals of cultivated femininity and hierarchical education. The position declined after the Qing dynasty and is now used only in historical or literary contexts.