(in ecclesiastical law) the right to recommend a member of the Anglican clergy for a vacant benefice, or to make such an appointment.
'The advowson therefore can be discounted as a guide to the descent of the manor or part manor.'
'The prestige of the gentry remained high, since they often owned the advowson and had a cousin or an uncle in the rectory as well.'
((n.) The right of presenting to a vacant benefice or living in
the church. [Originally, the relation of a patron (advocatus) or
protector of a benefice, and thus privileged to nominate or present to
it.])
noun, English Ecclesiastical Law.
1.
the right of presentation of a candidate to a benefice or church office.
Examples:
"livings can have advowsons."
Origin:
Middle English (in the sense ‘patronage of a religious house or benefice’, with the obligation to defend it and speak for it): from Old French avoeson, from Latin advocatio(n-), from advocare ‘summon’ (see advocate).
