A general law, rule, principle, or criterion by which something is judged. A collection or list of sacred books accepted as genuine. (in the Roman Catholic Church) the part of the Mass containing the words of consecration. A piece in which the same melody is begun in different parts successively, so that the imitations overlap. A member of the clergy who is on the staff of a cathedral, especially one who is a member of the chapter. The position is frequently conferred as an honorary one.