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

The Princess of Wales made a surprise appearance at Windsor Castle on Oct. 2 to meet a young photographer navigating cancer after the teen captured an investiture ceremony helmed by Prince William. —Janine Henni, People.com, 5 Nov. 2024

The Barry Prize recipients were honored at an investiture ceremony on October 23 at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. AASL gave out its first Barry Prizes last year when the Academy was launched and its initial members inducted. —Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

Ardern, who was in office from 2017 to 2023, was made a Dame Grand Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit at Windsor Castle on Oct. 16 at an investiture ceremony that recognized other luminaries, as well. —Rachel Burchfield, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024

Hatton had been invited by the palace to capture the investiture on camera, as part of a series of unforgettable experiences. —Simon Perry, People.com, 3 Oct. 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