English edit

Etymology edit

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

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

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 edit