Legal Definitions - impropriation

Definition: Impropriation refers to the granting of an ecclesiastical benefice (a position or income in the church) to a layperson (someone who is not a member of the clergy), whether an individual or a corporation.

For example, a church might be granted to a wealthy landowner or a company instead of being used for its intended purpose by the church.

This practice was known as impropriation and was distinct from appropriation, which referred to the allocation of a church to a spiritual body.

Overall, impropriation allowed laypeople to gain control over church property and income, which could lead to conflicts between the church and secular authorities.