Chanoinesse (en. Canoness)

/ʃanwɛnɛs/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Title given to a woman in charge of a religious community, often associated with a chapter of canons.
The canoness led the spiritual activities within her chapter.
La chanoinesse dirigeait les activités spirituelles au sein de son chapitre.
Woman living according to religious rules within a canonical framework.
She chose to become a canoness to dedicate her life to faith.
Elle a choisi de devenir chanoinesse pour consacrer sa vie à la foi.
Female ecclesiastical dignitary sometimes linked to a bishopric.
The canoness was elected to represent the interests of the community.
La chanoinesse a été élue pour représenter les intérêts de la communauté.

Etymology

From the Latin 'canonicus', referring to a rule of religious life.

Common Phrases and Expressions

canoness of the Church
Woman having an official role in the administration of a church.
chanoinesse de l'Église
acts of the canoness
The obligations and actions of a canoness within her chapter.
actes de la chanoinesse
meeting of the canonesses
An assembly to discuss the affairs of the religious community.
réunion des chanoinesses

Related Words

canonry
The assembly of canons or canonesses of a chapter.
chanoinerie
canon
Member of a canonical chapter, man in charge of religious affairs.
canon
cleric
An old term designating a nun who wears a specific habit.
clairet

Slang Meanings

Used to refer to a woman having great authority in her environment.
She is the canoness of the office, decision-making on everything.
Elle est la chanoinesse du bureau, décisionnelle sur tout.
Sometimes used to refer to a very pious or devout woman.
Look at her, she looks like a real canoness, always praying.
Regarde-la, on dirait une vraie chanoinesse, toujours en train de prier.