canon

/ˈka-nən/

Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Latin, ruler, rule, model, standard, from Greek kanōn

noun

  1. a regulation or dogma decreed by a church council

  2. a provision of canon law

  3. the most solemn and unvarying part of the Mass including the consecration of the bread and wine

law rule regulation precept statute ordinance canon mean a principle governing action or procedure. law implies imposition by a sovereign authority and the obligation of obedience on the part of all subject to that authority. rule applies to more restricted or specific situations.

noun

  1. a clergyman belonging to the chapter or the staff of a cathedral or collegiate church

  2. canon regular

noun

  1. a deep narrow valley with steep sides and often with a stream flowing through it

  2. something resembling a canyon