'Secular canoness' definitions:

Definition of 'Secular canoness'

From: GCIDE
  • Canoness \Can"on*ess\, n. [Cf. LL. canonissa.] A woman who holds a canonry in a conventual chapter. [1913 Webster]
  • Regular canoness, one bound by the vow of 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. [1913 Webster] canonic