canonry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / TechnicalFormal, Ecclesiastical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “canonry” mean?
The office, position, or benefice of a canon in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The office, position, or benefice of a canon in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Can also refer collectively to the body of canons attached to a cathedral or to the system of endowments supporting them.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical, but more likely encountered in British contexts due to the established structure of the Church of England.
Connotations
Neutral, administrative, and traditional. It carries no regional emotional or cultural charge, only ecclesiastical.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both, but marginally more common in UK texts dealing with Anglican church history or administration.
Grammar
How to Use “canonry” in a Sentence
[Person] was appointed to the [Adj] canonry of [Cathedral].The [Adj] canonry [Verb e.g., came with, provided] a substantial income.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canonry” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The canonry lands were surveyed in 1845.
American English
- The canonry properties are tax-exempt.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious studies, or architectural history texts discussing church endowments and structures.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be used.
Technical
Used precisely within ecclesiastical law, church history, and cathedral administration documents.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canonry”
- Confusing it with 'canon' (rule or priest) alone. It is the specific office/property, not the person. Spelling it as 'canonnary' or 'canonery'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A 'canon' is the person (the priest). The 'canonry' is the office, position, or property endowment associated with that role.
It is used in formal ecclesiastical, historical, or legal contexts but is extremely rare in everyday conversation or modern news.
It primarily refers to the office or endowment. However, it can sometimes be used metonymically to refer to the official residence (canon's house) associated with the position.
They are very similar and often used interchangeably. Strictly, a 'prebend' is the endowment (the income, often from land), while a 'canonry' is the office that holds that prebend. In practice, the distinction is blurred.
The office, position, or benefice of a canon in a cathedral or collegiate church.
Canonry is usually formal, ecclesiastical, historical in register.
Canonry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkanənri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkænənri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A CANON + RY (like 'jewelry'). It's the collection of rights and duties belonging to a CANON.
Conceptual Metaphor
OFFICE AS A SEAT: 'He held the canonry' conceptualizes the position as a physical seat or stall in the cathedral.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'canonry' most specifically refer to?