The title first given in the 8th century to a member of a community of women professing the common life yet not fully observing the Rule of Saint Augustine. The term corresponds to that of canon, the origin and rules being common to both. Among the canonesses, differences in the observance of the rule gave rise to a distinction between regular and secular canonesses.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More