The answer to the crossword for the term FRENCH HOLY WOMEN ABBR. is STES, which stands for Saintes. Saintes is a collective term used to refer to the group of seven female saints from France who were venerated in the Middle Ages. These women are collectively known as the Seven Holy Women of France and include Saint Genevieve, Saint Radegund, Saint Clotilde, Saint Bathilde, Saint Margaret, Saint Agnes, and Saint Thecla.