Definition

A legal right in English church law that allows a person or group to choose someone to fill a vacant church position.

Example

The church's advowson allowed them to nominate a new vicar when the position became vacant.

Conversation

I heard there’s a lot of history behind the advowson in our town.

Oh really? I didn’t know that was such an important right.

Yeah, it’s fascinating how it allows someone to present a nominee for a benefice.

That sounds like a unique part of local governance!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Advowson is derived from the Old French 'avocacion' (meaning the act of calling or summoning) and the Latin 'advocatio' (meaning the act of calling to one's aid). The word refers to the right of presenting a nominee to a church benefice or position.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calling' someone to a position — 'avocacion' means to summon, and 'advowson' is about the right to nominate someone for a church role.

Visually Confused Words