\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.