In*ves"ti*ture (?; 135), n. [LL. investitura: cf. F. investiture.]

1. The act or ceremony of investing, or the state of being invested, as with an office; a giving possession; also, the right of so investing.

He had refused to yield up to the pope the investiture of bishops.

2. (Feudal Law) Livery of seizin.

The grant of land or a feud was perfected by the ceremony of corporal investiture, or open delivery of possession.

3. That with which anyone is invested or clothed; investment; clothing; covering.

While we yet have on
Our gross investiture of mortal weeds.