avowry

Meanings

1. The act of avowing and justifying in one's own right the distraining of goods.
2. 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.
3. Advowson, the right to appoint to a benefice or office.
4. Avowal (open affirmation or admission).
5. A protector, especially a patron saint.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English avowry, avowrie, from Old French avoerie, avouerie (“protection, patronage”), equivalent to avoer or avouer (“to avow”) + -ie.