Investiture
/ɪnˈvɛstɪtʃər/noun
The formal installation or appointment of someone to a position or office.
Did you know?The term 'investiture' originates from a ceremonial practice where rulers would don robes to signify divine authority, linking clothing to power in a magical way.
Etymological Timeline
Late Latin
Latin
investitura
“The act of clothing or putting on, often associated with authority.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
investiturā
“Ceremony of conferring power, especially in religious or royal contexts.”
12th Century
Old French
investiture
“Formal appointment to an office, especially in the Church or nobility.”
14th Century
Middle English
investiture
“Installation into an office, emphasizing the ritualistic aspects of the ceremony.”
Modern English
English
investiture
“The formal act of vesting authority in an individual, keeping the ceremonial roots alive.”