In English ecclesiastical law . The taking away from a clergyman hisbenefice or other spiritual promotion or dignity, either by sentence declaratory in theproper court for fit and sufficient causes or in pursuance of divers penal statutes whichdeclare the benefice void for some nonfeasance or neglect, or some malfeasance orcrime. 3 Steph. Comm. 87, 88; Burn, Ecc. Law, tit ” Deprivation .”
Black’s Law Online Dictionary
