Parson

In ecclesiastical law. 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 person. In England he is himself a body corporate, in order to protect and defend the church (which he personates) by a perpetual succession. Co. Litt. 300. or "impersonee," only In regard to the possession he 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. Dyer, 40,, 221. He that is in possession of a church, be it presentative or appropriate, and with whom the church Is full, — persona in this case meaning the patron who gives the title, and persona impersonata the parson to whom the benefice is given in the patron's right. Reg. Jud. 24.

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-

The rector of a church; one that has full possession of all the rights of a parochial church. The appellation of "par-sen," however it may be depreciated by familiar, clownish, and indiscriminate use, is the most legal, most bsnefleial, and most honorable title that a parish priest can enjoy, because such a one, Sir Edward Coke observes, and he only, is said vicem seu per-sonam ecclesiæ gerere, (to represent and bear the person of the church.) 1 Bl. Comm. 384.

— Parson imparsonee. In English law. A clerk or parson in full possession of a benefice. Cowell.

— Parson mortal. A rector instituted and inducted for his own life. But any collegiate or conventional body, to whom a church was forever appropriated, was termed "persona immortalis." Wharton.

In English law. A parish priest; one that has full possession of all the rights of a parochial church. Parson imparsonee: a clerk or parson in full possession of a benefice.

In English ecclesiastical law, the rector of a parochial church. The rector or incumbent of a parochial church, who hath full possession of all the rights thereof. He is called parson, persona, because by his person the church, which is an invisible body, is represented; and he is himself a body corporate, in order to protect and defend the rights of the church, which he personates, by a perpetual succession. (Cowel; 1 Bl. Com. 384; 2 Steph. Com. 677. ) In a larger sense, the word parson includes all clergymen having ecclesiastical preferment. Tomlins. Parsonage. A certain portion of lands, tithes, and offerings, established by law, for the maintenance of the minister who hath the cure of souls. Tomlins. The word is more generally used for the house set apart for the residence of the minister. Mozley Sj- W.

eccles. law. One who has full possession of all the rights of a parochial church. He is so called because by his person the church, which is an invisible body, _ig represented: in England he is himself a body corporate in order to protect and defend the church (which he personates) by a perpetual succession. Co. Litt. 300. Fortunately in the United States, where religion is generally well supported, we have no national church, and, therefore, no parsons known as such to the law.