canon law

noun

: the usually codified law governing a church

Examples of canon law in a Sentence

a marriage valid under Catholic canon law
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Pope Francis, though, changed canon law to allow women to serve as acolytes and lectors — laypeople who perform functions such as setting up the altar and reading the Bible. John Blake, CNN, 15 July 2024 His nearly two decades teaching canon law and moral theology at a Chicago seminary shaped his perspective to be clear about church teachings, Avella said. Sophie Carson, Journal Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2024 Eventually, Copernicus received a degree in canon law from the University of Ferrara and returned to Poland. Danuta Hamlin, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2024 Except that Catholic canon law requires an ordained deacon or priest to say the homily at Mass, and women can be neither. Kate Brady, Washington Post, 2 Oct. 2023 See all Example Sentences for canon law 

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of canon law was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near canon law

Cite this Entry

“Canon law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canon%20law. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

canon law

noun
: the body of religious laws that govern a church

Legal Definition

canon law

noun
: a body of religious law governing the conduct of members of a particular faith
especially : the codified church law of the Roman Catholic Church

Note: Common law has been influenced by canon law in the areas of marriage and inheritance. Roman Catholic canon law, like the civil law, has been modeled on ancient Roman law. The source for Roman Catholic canon law is the Code of Canon Law. The Rudder (Pedalion) is a source for Greek Orthodox canon law. Jewish canon law is contained in the Talmud.

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