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 There are also investiture ceremonies rewarding members of the public for their work in the community taking place. Simon Perry, Peoplemag, 4 Mar. 2024 The Game of Thrones star and erstwhile Mother of Dragons was honored by Prince William and the royal family in a special investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 21 Feb. 2024 Prince William will preside over investiture ceremony, a charity dinner this week With both Charles and Kate out of the public eye, experts predict William will have added responsibilities in his role within the royal family. Jay Stahl, USA TODAY, 6 Feb. 2024 Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has retained the job in a caretaker capacity as both he and conservative opposition leader Alberto Nunez Feijoo seek ways to find enough support to win an investiture vote. Time, 25 Aug. 2023 The Prince of Wales, 41, conducted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on behalf of his father and attended London’s Air Ambulance Charity gala dinner. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 The heir to England’s throne hosted an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle and was then set to attend a London Air Ambulance fundraising gala, AFP reports. Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Feb. 2024 Her husband, Prince William, who is heir to the throne, also took time off to help look after the couple’s three children, but is due to preside over an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace on Thursday. Jill Lawless, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2024 After the anointing comes the investiture, in which the monarch receives the coronation regalia, including St. Edward’s Crown and the Sovereign’s Scepter and Orb. Meilan Solly, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 May 2023

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 28 Mar. 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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