Canonicæ, in the early church, were women enrolled in a list in the churches, devoted to works of charity, and living apart from men, though not under vows, nor always in a cœnobium.  In Soc., H.E.i. 17 they are described as the recipients of St. Helena’s hospitality.  St. Basil is supposed to refuse to recognise marriage with them as legitimate in Ep. cclxxxviii.  The word κανονικῶν may stand for either gender, but the marriage of Canonici was commonly allowed.  Letter clxxiii. is addressed to the canonica Theodora.