investiture

noun

in·​ves·​ti·​ture in-ˈve-stə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce investiture (audio)
-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.

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 The new heir to the throne opted to do things differently, including not taking part in an investiture ceremony for his Prince of Wales role like his father did in 1969, when he was crowned by Queen Elizabeth at age 20. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 3 Sep. 2024 Puigdemont’s chaotic return on Thursday takes the shine off a debate for the investiture of Spain’s former health minister and socialist candidate Salvador Illa as Catalonia’s new president. Ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 8 Aug. 2024 Prince William did not have an investiture ceremony for his Prince of Wales position like his father did in 1969, when he was crowned by Queen Elizabeth. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 11 July 2024 Prince William did not have a formal investiture ceremony to commemorate his becoming the Prince of Wales as his father did in 1969. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for investiture 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'investiture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of investiture was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near investiture

Cite this Entry

“Investiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investiture. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

investiture

noun
in·​ves·​ti·​ture in-ˈves-tə-ˌchu̇r How to pronounce investiture (audio)
-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 How to pronounce investiture (audio)
1
: the act of establishing in office
2

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