The word "canoness" refers to a female member of a religious order who has taken the vows of a canoness. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈkænənəs/, which represents the English pronunciation of the word. The spelling of the word "canoness" follows the common English spelling rule where a final letter 'e' is used to indicate the vowel preceding it is long. Thus, the double 'n' and the final 's' signify the pronunciation of the word as - /nəs/.
A canoness refers to a woman who belongs to a particular religious order within the Catholic Church known as the Order of Canonesses Regular. Canonesses are committed to leading a life of religious devotion, prayer, and service to God and the community, following the rules and principles of their order. They typically live in a monastery or convent and commit themselves to a life of chastity, poverty, and obedience.
Canonesses dedicate their lives to various religious activities, including prayer, meditation, and worship. They are often involved in charitable works, such as caring for the sick, teaching, or aiding the poor and needy. Canonesses may also undertake administrative duties within their order, helping to manage the affairs of the monastery or convent.
The title of canoness signifies a higher rank within the religious order, denoting a woman who has completed a period of formation and has made lifelong vows of commitment to the order's values and regulations. This distinguishes them from novices or temporary members who are still in the process of discerning their calling or undergoing training.
In summary, a canoness is a woman who has dedicated her life to practicing an ascetic and religiously-focused lifestyle as a member of the Order of Canonesses Regular.
A woman who enjoys an income attached to a church, but who has no duty to perform.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Canoness" has its roots in the Latin term "canonicus", which means "canonical" or "pertaining to a canon". "Canonicus" comes from the Greek word "kanonikos", meaning "according to rule" or "in accordance with a standard".
In medieval times, a canoness referred to a female member of certain religious orders, particularly those associated with canons or canons regular. Canons are priests or clerics who live in a community following a set of rules called a "canon".
Over time, the term "canoness" evolved to specifically represent female religious members who lived in communities similar to those of canons but who did not necessarily take the same religious vows. The word "canoness" has been used to refer to various types of female religious figures, such as nuns or women involved in a regular spiritual or communal life.