\In*ves"ti*ture\ (?; 135), n. [LL. investitura: cf.
F. investiture.]
1. The act or ceremony of investing, or the 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.               --Sir W.
                                               Raleigh.

2. (Feudal Law) Livery of seizin.

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

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

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