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 ]