(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.]
Thesaurus Entries
advowson, apostleship, benefice, call, charge, curacy, cure, glebe, holy orders, incumbency, living, pastorage, pastoral care, pastorate, prelacy, priesthood, priestship, rabbinate, rectory, sacred calling, the church, the cloth, the desk, the ministry, the pulpit, vicarage, vocation
