investiture

[in-ves-ti-cher, -choor]

noun

1. the act or process of investing.

2. the formal bestowal, confirmation, or presentation of rank, office, or a possessory or prescriptive right, usually involving the giving of insignia or an official title.

3. the state of being invested, as with a garment, quality, or office.

4. something that covers or adorns.

5. Archaic.,  something that invests.

investiture

/ ɪnˈvɛstɪtʃə /

noun

1. the act of presenting with a title or with the robes and insignia of an office or rank

2. (in feudal society) the formal bestowal of the possessory right to a fief or other benefice

3. a less common word for investment

Other Word Forms

• investitive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of investiture¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin investītūra, equivalent to investīt(us) (past participle of investīre “to install”; invest ) + -ūra -ure

Example Sentences

He also said he was pleased there had been no investiture ceremony to mark Prince William becoming Prince of Wales in 2022, saying it could have been "divisive".

Read more on BBC

The show's co-host was recognised in the King's Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting and received the honour at an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday.

Read more on BBC

The King expressed delight at her recollection of his 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales when he was 21, laughing at Mrs Caterham's comment about being the subject of many girls' affection.

Read more on BBC

Stephen, who attended the investiture along with his mum Joan and sisters Karen Murray and Christine Davies, said his dad's honour had been "a long time coming".

Read more on BBC

Recipients can select their investiture's date and location but not which member of the Royal Family will preside over the ceremony.

Read more on BBC