noun
canon
A member of a cathedral chapter or certain Christian religious communities.
The cathedral canon leads the morning service in the chapel.
Etymology
Greek kanōn meant a rule or standard. The clerical title is connected with life or service governed by an ecclesiastical rule, including membership in a cathedral chapter.
More examples
- The bishop meets with the cathedral's canons.
- She researches the duties of a medieval canon.
- He joins a community of regular canons.
Forms
canon · canons
Similar words
- priest
- A broader clerical office without cathedral chapter membership.
- dean
- Often leads a cathedral chapter rather than simply belonging to it.