Lewis & Short

† cănon, ŏnis, m. (acc. canona, Plin. 34, 8, 19, § 55; acc. plur. canonas, Aus. Ep. 136; in Cic. Fam. 16, 17, 1, used as a Greek word), = κανών [κάννα, κάνη, a reed, cane].

  1. I. A marking or measuring line; hence, a rule, canon, model (cf. Lidd. and Scott, under κανών).
  2. II. Esp.
    1. A. A wooden channel in hydraulic instruments, Vitr. 10, 13 Rod.
    2. B. Under the emperors, an annual tribute, established by law, in grain, gold, silver, clothing, etc., Spart. Sev. 8; Lampr. Elag. 27.
    3. C. In eccl. Lat., a catalogue of sacred writings, as admitted by the rule, the Canon, Aug. Doctr. Christ. 2, 8; Hier. Prol. Gal. Aug. Civ. 17, 24; 18, 38; cf. Isid. Orig. 6, 15 and 16.
    4. D. Also in late Lat., from their shape, in plur.: cănŏnes, um, cannon: et illic figere gunnas suas, quas Galli canones vocant, quibus validius villam infestare posset, Thom. Walsingham in Henry V. p. 398.