Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Mr. Tyrrel, by the tenure of his manor, was impropriator of the great tithes, and this circumstance afforded him frequent opportunities of petty altercation.

From Caleb Williams Or Things as They Are by Godwin, William

At the Dissolution, like many of the Tewkesbury possessions, it became private property, the site, the buildings and the tithes being conveyed to George Throgmorton, a local personage, who became the lay impropriator.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Abbey Church of Tewkesbury with some Account of the Priory Church of Deerhurst Gloucestershire by Massé, H. J. L. J. (Henri Jean Louis Joseph)

But it is not the property of the Church alone—what do you say of the lay impropriator?

From Maxims and Opinions of Field-Marshal His Grace the Duke of Wellington, Selected From His Writings and Speeches During a Public Life of More Than Half a Century by Francis, George Henry

Sullenly, we resent her dictation as that of a usurper—a lay impropriator of our professional heritage.

From Merchantmen-at-arms : the British merchants' service in the war by Bone, David W. (David William)

Had he the right, or could he have it, to appropriate the income of the living according to terms laid down by the lay impropriator?

From The Bertrams by Trollope, Anthony