Simony
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence · Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
The corrupt presentation of any one to an ecclesiastical benefice, for money, gift, or reward; and any resignation or exchange for money is deemed corrupt, however fair the transblance it bears to the sin of Simon Magus. 3 Coke Inst. 156. The offence has been generally committed either by the purchase of the next presentation to a living actually vacant, or by a clergyman purchasing, either in his own name or another's, the next presentation to a living, and afterwards presenting, or cauiiing himself to be presented thereto.
See Cowel; 1 Bl. Com. 889, 893; 2 Id. 278-281.