avowry

== English == === Alternative forms === advowry === Etymology === Inherited from Middle English avowry, avowrie, from Old French avoerie, avouerie (“protection, patronage”), equivalent to avoer or avouer (“to avow”) + -ie. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /əˈvaʊɹi/, /əˈvaʊəɹi/ Rhymes: -aʊɹi, -aʊəɹi === Noun === avowry (countable and uncountable, plural avowries) (law) The act of avowing and justifying in one's own right the distraining of goods. (historical) A form of medieval patronage in which colonial tenants, often from criminal backgrounds, were guaranteed protection by an English lord in exchange for the payment of a tax. (ecclesiastical) Advowson, the right to appoint to a benefice or office. (obsolete) Avowal (open affirmation or admission). (obsolete) A protector, especially a patron saint. ==== Derived terms ==== advowrer ==== Related terms ==== avowee === References === == Middle English == === Noun === avowry alternative form of avourie