canoness

American  

[kan-uh-nis] / ˈkæn ə nɪs /

noun

1. a member of a Christian community of women living under a rule but not under a vow.

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canoness British  

/ ˈkænənɪs /

noun

1. RC Church a woman belonging to any one of several religious orders and living under a rule but not under a vow

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Gender

What's the difference between canoness and canon? See -ess.

Etymology

Origin of canoness

First recorded in 1675–85; canon ² + -ess

Example Sentences

The nine-day period began with his canonizing as Saints Lucia Filippini, foundress of the religious educational order Maestre Pie Filippini, and Caterina Thoma, a Spanish canoness.

From Time Magazine Archive

His sister was canoness in an aristocratic order, whose members were permitted to receive visits from their brothers.

From France in the Nineteenth Century by Latimer, Elizabeth

There she soon made the acquaintance of a canoness named Günderode, considerably older than herself, though still young, with rare mental endowments and romantic affections.

From The Friendships of Women by Alger, William Rounseville

"If I am ever dean," said Mr. Slope, "that is, were I ever to become so, I should glory in such a canoness."

From Barchester Towers by Trollope, Anthony

I am the last to defend a departure from duty," the old canoness goes on, "but in this case the blame really falls partly upon Ada's family.

From 'O Thou, My Austria!' by Schubin, Ossip

Related Words

• sister