A guardian, protector, or patron of a church or religious house; (Ecclesiastical Law) one holding the right to present a member of the clergy to a particular benefice or living. Compare "advowson". Now chiefly historical.
((n.) One who has an advowson.)
Origin:
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Thomas Bilson (?1547–1616), bishop of Winchester. From Middle French advoué, advoé, variant of avoé.
