Obs. [ad. F. canoniste: cf. alkamistre, sophister, etc., and see -ISTRE.] An earlier form of CANONIST.
1362. Langl., P. Pl., A. VIII. 135. Bote Catoun construweþ hit nay And Canonistres boþe, And siggen bi hem-seluen Sompnia ne cures. Ibid. (1393), C. X. 303. Caton counteth hit at nouht and canonistres at lasse.
c. 1380. Wyclif, Serm., Sel. Wks. I. 32. Þis man of lawe … was neþir civilian ne canonistre. Ibid. (1382), Bible, Prol. xiii. 51. Sumtyme cyuylians and canonistris weren deuout.
