canonry

A canonry is a position held by a member of a cathedral chapter.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The office or rank of a canon: "canonry" refers to the position, status, or dignity held by a canon, which is a member of a cathedral chapter or a clergyperson in certain Christian churches.
   • The benefice or income of a canon: It also denotes the endowment, stipend, or revenue associated with the office of a canon.
   • A body of canons collectively: In some contexts, "canonry" can refer to the group or community of canons as a whole.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He was appointed to a canonry in the cathedral after years of service. (He received the office of canon.)
  • The canonry provided a comfortable living for the clergy member. (The income from the position supported him.)
  • The entire canonry gathered for the evening prayer. (The community of canons assembled.)

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a canonry": to occupy the official position of a canon.

  • She holds a canonry at St. Paul's Cathedral. (She has the rank and duties of a canon.)

• "canonry lands": properties or estates that belong to the office of a canon.

  • The canonry lands were used to fund the cathedral's charitable works. (The land associated with the canon's benefice.)

Variants and Related Words

• Canonicate (n): a synonym for "canonry," referring specifically to the office or benefice of a canon.

  • The canonicate was vacant after the previous canon's retirement. (The position was unfilled.)

• Canon (n): a member of a cathedral chapter or a clergyperson holding a specific rank.

  • The canon led the choir during the service. (The clergyperson with a canonry.)

• Canoness (n): a female member of a religious community with a similar rank to a canon.

  • She became a canoness in the local convent. (A woman holding a similar office.)

Synonyms

• Benefice: a church office that provides income, often synonymous with "canonry" in ecclesiastical contexts.
• Prebend: a stipend or endowment granted to a canon, similar to the income from a canonry.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms: "Canonry" is a specific ecclesiastical term and does not appear in common idiomatic expressions.

Additional Notes

• Historical context: "Canonry" is primarily used in historical or religious discussions, particularly within the Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox traditions. It is rarely used in everyday modern language.