CANONESS, a female beneficiary of a religious college. The title first occurs in the 8th century, applied to communities of women vowed to obedience and chastity, though not to poverty, and generally under a rule less strict than that of nuns. The canonesses often taught girls, and also embroidered ecclesiastical vestments and transcribed liturgical books. A distinction grew up between regular and secular canonesses, the latter being of noble family and not practising austerity. Some of their abbesses were notable feudal princesses. In Germany several foundations of this kind still exist as Protestant institutions (Stiller), requir ing of their members only celibacy and obedience to their superior during membership. They are now practically almshouses for the unmarried daughters of noble families or of deserving offi cials. The head is entitled abbess, prioress or provostess (Prob stin), and the canonesses (Sti f tsdamen) meet periodically in Kon vent to discuss the affairs of the community. Some quaint pre Reformation customs still survive, e.g., at Schleswig where the Konvent is held, on the day of the patron saint (St. John the Baptist), in a room draped in black, with a wax head of St. John on a charger in the centre of the table.