advowson

English

Etymology

From Middle English avowson, from Anglo-Norman avouson, from Latin advocātiō. Doublet of advocation.

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ədˈvaʊ.z(ə)n/

Noun

advowson (plural advowsons)

1. (UK, ecclesiastical law) The right to present a nominee to a vacant ecclesiastical benefice or church office.
   • 1866, Rev. Alban Butler, chapter IV, in The Lives of the Saints‎^[1], volume II (February):

     The advowson of the parsonages of Sempringham and Tirington, being the right of his father, he [St. Gilbert] was presented by him [his father] to those united livings, in 1123.

   • 2017, Ben Aaronovitch, The Furthest Station, Gollancz, page 88:

     Advowson is the right to appoint the incumbent clergy of a parish, so three advowsons meant three incumbents.

References

• “advowson”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.