canonical

[kuh-non-i-kuh l]

adjective Also ca·non·ic.

pertaining to, established by, or conforming to a canon or canons.
included in the canon of the Bible.
authorized; recognized; accepted: canonical works.

Mathematics. (of an equation, coordinate, etc.) in simplest or standard form.
following the pattern of a musical canon.
Linguistics. (of a form or pattern) characteristic, general or basic: the canonical form of the past tense; a canonical syllable pattern.

noun

canonicals, garments prescribed by canon law for clergy when officiating.

Origin of canonical

1150–1200; Middle English (< Anglo-French) < Medieval Latin canōnicālis, equivalent to canōnic(us) (see canon²) + -ālis -al¹

Related formsca·non·i·cal·ly, adverbsu·per·ca·non·i·cal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for canonicals

Historical Examples of canonicals

Hogarth quarrelled with Churchill, and drew him as a bear in canonicals.
Leading Articles on Various Subjects
Hugh Miller
But when you are out of your canonicals, the case is altered.
Red Gauntlet
Sir Walter Scott
The reverend Duche appeared in his canonicals attended by his clerk.
The Wonderful Story of Washington
Charles M. Stevens
Soldiers clear a path for Lars Pedersson, who appears in canonicals.
Master Olof
August Strindberg
The same story is told of Swift and four clergymen dressed in canonicals.
Library Notes
A. P. Russell

British Dictionary definitions for canonicals

canonicals

pl n

the vestments worn by clergy when officiating

canonical

canonic

adjective

belonging to or included in a canon of sacred or other officially recognized writings
belonging to or in conformity with canon law
according to recognized law; accepted
music in the form of a canon
of or relating to a cathedral chapter
of or relating to a canon (clergyman)

Derived Formscanonically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for canonicals

canonical

adj.

early 15c., from Medieval Latin canonicalis, from Late Latin canonicus "according to rule," in Church Latin, "pertaining to the canon" (see canon (n.2)). Earlier was canonial (early 13c.).