lay investiture

American  

[ley in-ves-ti-cher, -choor] / ˈleɪ ɪnˈvɛs tɪ tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

1. (in medieval Europe) bestowal of a church office by a member of the secular nobility rather than by church officials.

   Pope Gregory VII prohibited lay investiture of bishops and, in 1076, excommunicated the Holy Roman Emperor for his resistance.

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Etymology

Origin of lay investiture

First recorded in 1610–20

Example Sentences

Whoever controlled lay investiture held the real power in naming bishops, who were very influential clergy that kings sought to control.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

In 1075, Pope Gregory VII banned lay investiture.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

The successors of Gregory and Henry continued to fight over lay investiture until 1122.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

It especially resented the practice of lay investiture, a ceremony in which kings and nobles appointed church officials.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2012

Gregory held a second council and utterly forbade lay investiture.

From A Short History of Italy (476-1900) by Sedgwick, Henry Dwight