avowry

Plural: avowries

Noun

• The act of avowing and justifying in one's own right the distraining of goods.
• 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.
• Advowson, the right to appoint to a benefice or office.
• Avowal (open affirmation or admission).
• A protector, especially a patron saint.

Synonyms

advowrer