noun
- plural of canoness; women who are members of certain religious communities, especially those living under canonical rules but not bound by solemn vows
Usage: religious; historical
Examples
- The canonesses lived in a community dedicated to prayer and charitable works.
- Medieval canonesses often came from noble families and maintained their own property.
- The abbey housed both nuns and canonesses under different religious rules.
- Unlike nuns, canonesses could leave their community if they chose to marry.
- The canonesses devoted themselves to education and caring for the poor.
- Several canonesses served as abbesses of important religious houses.