Canistae

Canistae (Κανισταί) are enumerated by Theodoret (Haer. Fab. i, 1) in a list of short-lived heretical sects, the origin of which he ascribes to Simon Magus. The name is mentioned by no other writer; but there is every reason to believe that Theodoret derives it from a passage in Clemens Alex. (Strom. vii, 17 ), where we find the Caianistce mentioned, meaning Cainites, but not so understood by Theodoret.