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Canon

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a general rule; an accepted body of works

Where does the word "canon" come from? It comes from Greek kanōn, passing through Old French before entering English (1100s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
kanōn
Greek · ancient
"measuring rod, rule"
Greek, possibly from 'kanna', reed
2
Stage 2 of 3
canon
Old French · medieval
"church rule"
church law and the approved list of scripture
3
Stage 3 of 3
canon
English · 1100s
"church rule"
literary 'canon' and 'canon' in fiction came later
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Read the full story

Canon’s story begins in Greek: kanōn meant “measuring rod, rule.” Greek, possibly from 'kanna', reed. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as canon. Church law and the approved list of scripture. It reached English by 1100s as canon. Literary 'canon' and 'canon' in fiction came later. Today, canon means a general rule; an accepted body of works.