Impropriation
Webster's Dictionary [1]
(1): ( n.) The act of impropriating; as, the impropriation of property or tithes; also, that which is impropriated.
(2): ( n.) A benefice in the hands of a layman, or of a lay corporation.
(3): ( n.) The act of putting an ecclesiastical benefice in the hands of a layman, or lay corporation.
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [2]
A parsonage or ecclesiastical living, the profits of which are in the hands of a layman; in which case its stands distinguished from appropriation, which is where the profits of a benefice are in the hands of a bishop college, &c. though the terms are now used promiscuously.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
in Great Britain, a parsonage or ecclesiastical living, the profits of which are in the hands of a layman; in which case it stands distinguished from appropriation, which is where the profits of a benefice are in the hands of a bishop, college, etc., though the terms are now used promiscuously in England.
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [4]
The transference of the revenues of a benefice to a layman or lay body to be devoted to spiritual uses.
