advowson

Etymology

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

noun

1. (UK, ecclesiastical law) The right to present a nominee to a vacant ecclesiastical benefice or church office.
   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. 1866, Rev. Alban Butler, chapter IV, in The Lives of the Saints, volume II (February)
   Advowson is the right to appoint the incumbent clergy of a parish, so three advowsons meant three incumbents. 2017, Ben Aaronovitch, The Furthest Station, Gollancz, page 88