a general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged

the appointment violated the canons of fair play and equal opportunity

a collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine

the biblical canon

(in the Roman Catholic Church) the part of the Mass containing the words of consecration

a piece in which the same melody is begun in different parts successively, so that the imitations overlap

the very simple rhythmic structure of this double canon

two quartets sing in close canon throughout

a member of the clergy who is on the staff of a cathedral, especially one who is a member of the chapter

he was appointed canon of Christ Church, Oxford

a portrait of Canon Jarrat and his wife hangs in the church today