A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Minor Canons
MINOR CANONS, priests in cathedrals and collegiate churches whose duty it is to superintend the performance of daily service. They are not of the chapter, but rank after the canons and prebendaries. They were formerly called vicars choral, and were originally appointed as deputies of the canons for church purposes, their number being regulated by the number of the capitular members. Laymen were frequently appointed as vicars choral, but it is necessary that minor canons should be in holy orders. According to the statutes, they should also be skilled in church music. (Hook's Church Dictionary.)
[ W. B. S. ]