minor canon

American  

noun

1. a canon attached to a cathedral or collegiate church, though not necessarily a member of the chapter.

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minor canon British  

noun

1. Church of England a clergyman who is attached to a cathedral to assist at daily services but who is not a member of the chapter

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Etymology

Origin of minor canon

First recorded in 1670–80

Example Sentences

The prebendary in residence walks from his seat, preceded by beadles, and followed by a vicar or minor canon, and proceeds to the altar; the choir, during this sort of processional march, chanting the Sanctus.

From Four Years in France or, Narrative of an English Family's Residence there during that Period; Preceded by some Account of the Conversion of the Author to the Catholic Faith by Beste, Henry Digby

Young Brown was educated at St John's College, Cambridge; and after graduating at the head of the list of wranglers in 1735, he took holy orders, and was appointed minor canon and lecturer at Carlisle.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3 "Brescia" to "Bulgaria" by Various

"We are allowed this lodging by Mr. Quatremain, the minor canon."

From Old Saint Paul's A Tale of the Plague and the Fire by Ainsworth, William Harrison

Nor was it long before the minor canon really made his appearance, as smart and prim and proper as a pet doll.

From Weird Tales, Vol. II. by Hoffmann, E. T. A. (Ernst Theodor Amadeus)

"Summum jus, summa injuria," quoted, sotto voce, Mr. Arden, a minor canon who, being well born, scholarly, scientific and gentlemanly, occupied a middle place between his colleagues and the grandees.

From Love and Life An Old Story in Eighteenth Century Costume by Yonge, Charlotte Mary