CANONESS

Etymology

Noun

canoness (plural canonesses)

(dated) A woman who holds a canonry in a conventual chapter.

Usage notes

A regular canoness was bound by the vow of poverty, and observed a strict rule of life. A secular canoness was allowed to hold private property and bound only by vows of chastity and obedience so long as she chose to remain in the chapter.

Anagrams

• noncases, sonances

Source: Wiktionary

Can"on*ess, n. Etym: [Cf. LL. canonissa.]

Definition: A woman who holds a canonry in a conventual chapter. Regular canoness, one bound by the poverty, and observing a strict rule of life.

– Secular canoness, one allowed to hold private property, and bound only by vows of chastity and obedience so long as she chose to remain in the chapter.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition