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