Appropriation

The perpetual annexation of an ecclesiastical benefice which is the general property of the church, to the use of some spiritual corporation, either sole or aggregate. See Impropriation. It corresponds with impropriation, which is setting apart a benefice to the use of a lay corporation. The name came from the custom of monks in England to retain the churches in their gift and all the profits of them in proprio usu to their own immediate benefit.

1 Burns, Bccl. Law 71.

To effect a good appropriation, the king's license and the bishop's consent must first be obtained. When the corporation having the benefice is dissolved, the parsonage becomes disappropriate at common law; Co. Litt. 46; 1 Bla. Com. 3S5; 1 Hagg. Eccl. 162. Tbere have been no appropriations since the dissolution of monasteries. For the form of an appropriation, see Jacob, Introd.

411.