Can"on*ess (?), n. [Cf. LL.
canonissa.] 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.