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A clerk or clergyman who holds more than one ecclesiastical benefice. [Eng.] Of the parochial clergy, a large proportion were pluralists. Macaulay.

subjects; that branch of theological science which pertains to the history or conduct of ecclesiastical controversy.

ation of any human institution. Nor is possible that any form of polity, much less polity ecclesiastical, should be good, unless God himself be author of it. Hooker.

Any ecclesiastic, esp. a bishop. [Obs.] Foxe.

A formal approbation by the pope of a person nominated to an ecclesiastical dignity. Addis & Arnold.

The order of prelates, taken collectively; the body of ecclesiastical dignitaries. "Divers of the reverend prelacy, and other most judicious men." Hooker.

Of or pertaining to a presbyter, or to ecclesiastical government by presbyters; relating to those who uphold church government by presbyters; also, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of a communion so governed.

To nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution. The patron of a church may present his clerk to a parsonage or vicarage; that is, may offer him to the bishop of the diocese to be instituted. Blackstone.

The office, rank, or character of a primate; the chief ecclesiastical station or dignity in a national church; the office or dignity of an archbishop; as, the primacy of England.

The chief ecclesiastic in a national church; one who presides over other bishops in a province; an archbishop.

The first fruit; the first year's whole profit of an ecclesiastical preferment. The primitias of your parsonage. Spenser.

A service book relating to ecclesiastical processions. J. Gregory.

A sum of money paid formerly to the bishop or archdeacon, now to the ecclesiastical commissioners, by an incumbent, as a commutation for entertainment at the time of visitation; -- called also proxy. Procuration money (Law), money paid for procuring a loan. Blackstone.

To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant. See Provisor. Prescott.

or direction of any special person; the district or division of a country, especially an ecclesiastical division, over which one has jurisdiction; as, the province of Canterbury, or that in which the archbishop of Canterbury exercises ecclesiastical authority.

Of or pertaining to an ecclesiastical province, or to the jurisdiction of an archbishop; not ecumenical; as, a provincial synod. Ayliffe.

The written appointment of a proctor in suits in the ecclesiastical courts. Burrill.

An officer whose business it is to examine and prepare causes for trial in the ecclesiastical courts.

t this epoch. The Renaissance was rather the last stage of the Middle Ages, emerging from ecclesiastical and feudal despotism, developing what was original in mediæval ideas by the light of classic arts and letters. J. A. Symonds (Encyc. Brit. ).

An ecclesiastic who keeps a certain residence.