Parson

One that hath full possession of all the rights of a parochial church. So called because the church, which is an invisible body, is represented by his poison In England ho is himself a body corporate, in order to protect and defend the church (which ho personates) by a perpetual succession, Co. Litt. 300. He is sometimes called the rector (q v.) t or governor, of the church: but the appellation of parson, however it may be depreciated by familiar, clownish, and indiscriminate use, is the most legal, most beneficial, and most honorable title that a parish priest can ■ enjoy; because "such a one," Sir Edward Coke observes, “and he only, is said vxeem scu personam Edlcsxce gncrc 1 Bla. Com. 3S1. The parson has, during life, the freehold in himself of the parsonage-house, tho glebe, the tithes, and other dues, unless these are appropriated, x. c. given away, to some spiritual corporation, sole or aggregate, which the law esteems as capable of providing for the service of the church as any single private clergyman; id.; 1 Hagg. Cons. Ib2; 3 Steph. Com., 11th ed.

5.

The ecclesiastical or spiritual rector of a rectory.

1 Woodd. Lect. 311; Fleta, lib. 7, c. 18; Co. Litt. 300.

Also, any clergyman having a spiritual preferment.

Co. Litt. 17.

Iloly orders, presentation, institution, and induction are necessary for a parson; and a parson may cease to he such by death, resignation, cession, or deprivation, which last may he for simony, nonconformity to canons, adultery, etc.; Co. Litt 120; 4 Co. 75, 70.

PARSON IMPERS0NEE.

A persona, or parson, may be termed impersonata, or impersonee, only in regard to the possession lie hath of the rectory by the act of another.

Co. Litt. 300.

One that is inducted and in possession of a benefice; e. g. a dean and chapter.

Dy. 40, 221.

He that is in possession of a church, be it presen tative or appropriate, and with whom the church is full, — pei'sona in this case meaning the patron who gives the title, and persona imper-