Canon Definition

Origin of Canon

• From Old French canon, from Latin canōn, from Ancient Greek κανών (kanón, “measuring rod, standard”), akin to κάννα (kanna, “reed”), perhaps from Semitic (compare Hebrew קָנֶה (qane, “reed”)). See also cane.

  From Wiktionary

• Middle English canoun from Old English canon and from Old French both from Latin canōn rule from Greek kanōn measuring rod, rule of Semitic origin qnw in Semitic roots

  From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

• Middle English canoun from Norman French canun from Late Latin canōnicus one living under a rule from Latin canōn rule canon¹

  From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition