(ecclesiastical) Advowson, the right to appoint to a benefice or office.
(historical) A form of medieval patronage in which colonial tenants, often from criminal backgrounds, were guaranteed protection by an English lord in exchange for the payment of a tax.
(law) The act of avowing and justifying in one's own right the distraining of goods.
(obsolete) A protector, especially a patron saint.
(obsolete) Avowal (open affirmation or admission).