Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-VEST'I-TURE, n. [Fr. See Invest.]

1. The action of giving possession, or livery of seizin. The grant of land or a feud was perfected by the ceremony of corporal investiture; or open delivery of possession. Blackstone. It was customary for princes to make investiture of ecclesiastical benefices. Encyc.
2. The right of giving possession of any manor, office or benefice. He had refused to yield to the pope the investiture of bishops. Ralegh.