investiture
noun
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
Janine Henni, People.com, 1 July 2025
The Princess of Wales, 42, is outside of the public eye while receiving cancer treatment, while Prince William, 41, conducted investitures at Windsor Castle on May 8.
—Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 11 May 2024
Last week, King Charles announced that David would be recognized for his career in sports and his lasting contributions to British society during an official investiture ceremony at a later date.
—Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 21 June 2025
The official investiture ceremony will take place at a later date.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 17 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for investiture
Cite this Entry
“Investiture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/investiture. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
investiture
noun
Legal Definition
investiture
noun
Share