Canoness \Can"on*ess\, n. [Cf. LL. canonissa.]

A woman who holds a canonry in a conventual chapter.

Regular canoness, one bound by the 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)