investiture

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ture in-ˈve-stə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər,

-ˌtyu̇r,

-ˌtu̇r

1

: the act of establishing in office or ratifying

2

: something that covers or adorns

Did you know?

In its original meaning, an investiture was the clothing of a new officeholder in garments that symbolized power. The Middle Ages saw much debate over the investiture of bishops by kings and emperors. These rulers felt that high religious offices were theirs to give as rewards for someone's loyal service or as bribes for someone's future support; the popes, on the other hand, regarded these investitures as the improper buying and selling of church offices. The investiture struggle caused tension between popes and monarchs and even led to wars.

Synonyms

• baptism
• inaugural
• inauguration
• induction
• initiation
• installation
• installment
• instalment
• investment

Examples of investiture in a Sentence

the investiture of the Prince of Wales

the investiture of a new member of parliament

Recent Examples on the Web

William performed an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and is attending a fundraising dinner for London’s Air Ambulance Charity on Wednesday evening. —Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2024

The pope ascended into his office immediately upon accepting his election, but his investiture mass will take place on May 18. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 12 May 2025

Lifelong anti-bullying campaigner Alex Holmes, 36, was honored for his work on behalf of young people and received his OBE at Windsor Castle from the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony on March 18. —Simon Perry, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025

On display is the black dress, cape and hat that Vivienne Westwood wore for her investiture as a dame at Buckingham Palace. —Samantha Conti, WWD, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin investitura, from investitus, past participle of investire

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for investiture

• divestiture
• vestiture

Kids Definition

investiture

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ture in-ˈves-tə-ˌchu̇r 

-chər

: a person in an office, rank, or order

investiture of the prince

: the act of establishing

Legal Definition

investiture

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ture in-ˈves-tə-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r 

1

: the act of establishing in office

2

: livery of seisin