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

While Charles and Camilla attended the service, Prince William held investitures at Windsor Castle. —Sabienna Bowman, Peoplemag, 15 May 2024

The honor is one of the highest that can be awarded in the U.K. Traditionally, the honors are awarded in person by a senior member of the Royal Family during an investiture ceremony. —Selena Kuznikov, Variety, 28 Mar. 2024

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

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