avowry

noun5

1. •
   The act of avowing and justifying in one's own right the distraining of goods.
2. •
   Advowson, the right to appoint to a benefice or office.
3. •
   (historical) A form of medieval patronage in which colonial tenants, often from criminal backgrounds, were guaranteed protection by an English lord in exchange for the payment of a tax.
4. •
   (no longer used) Avowal (open affirmation or admission).

   • In the avowry of my Assumption, I will proue three things. — 1629
5. •
   (no longer used) A protector, especially a patron saint.

   • All the said table, Crucifixe, Mary and John, and other Ymages of our advouries and xii Apostellis, to be of tymbre, covered and wrought with plate of fyne golde. — 1509