impropriate

verb

1. tr to transfer (property, rights, etc) from the Church into lay hands

adjective

1. transferred in this way

Derived Forms

• imˈpropriˌator, noun
• imˌpropriˈation, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of impropriate¹

C16: from Medieval Latin impropriāre to make one's own, from Latin im- in- ² + propriāre to appropriate

Example Sentences

The poor vicars never got back a bit of the impropriate tithes; the seats of learning got comparatively little.

From Project Gutenberg

If there is a rector impropriate, his consent will be necessary to any proposed change in the chancel.

From Project Gutenberg

In a parish where there is an impropriate rectory and a vicarage, glebe may be attached to both or either.

From Project Gutenberg