Legal Definitions - preces primariae

Definition: Preces primariae (pree-seez prI-mair-ee-ee) is a Latin term used in history to refer to the right of a sovereign to appoint a person to fill a vacant prebendary office after the sovereign's accession. This right was exercised during the reign of Edward I.

Example: During the reign of Edward I, the king had the right to appoint a person to fill a vacant prebendary office in a cathedral. This person would receive a stipend from the cathedral's endowment and serve on the staff of the cathedral. This right was known as preces primariae or primae preces.

Explanation: The example illustrates how preces primariae was exercised during the reign of Edward I. It shows that the right allowed the sovereign to appoint a person to a prebendary office in a cathedral, which was a position that came with a stipend from the cathedral's endowment. This helped ensure that the cathedral had qualified staff to carry out its duties.