Английский Этимологический словарь - canon (1)

- "church law," O.E., from L.L. canon, from L., "measuring line, rule," from Gk. kanon "rule," perhaps from kanna "reed" (see cane). Taken in ecclesiastical sense for "decree of the Church," and passed through L.L. to O.E. Canonical is first attested early 15c.; canonize is from c.1384.