Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.