ADVOCATIONE DECIMARUM Meaning and
Definition
-
Advocatione Decimarum is a Latin term that literally translates to "advocacy of tithes" in English. It refers to a historical practice or legal concept related to the collection and distribution of tithes in medieval Europe. Tithes were a form of tax or offering where individuals were required to pay one-tenth of their income to the church or religious institution.
During the Middle Ages, the collection of tithes was often complicated and controversial. The practice of Advocatione Decimarum emerged as a legal mechanism used by certain nobles or powerful individuals to gain control over the collection of tithes within their jurisdictions. Through Advocatione Decimarum, these individuals would assert their authority over the tithes and claim the right to collect them instead of the church.
This practice typically involved a legal process where the individual seeking advocation would receive a grant or privilege from a higher authority, such as a monarch or bishop, allowing them to take control of the tithes in a specific region or territory. Once advocation was granted, the individual would establish their own officials or administrators to oversee the collection of tithes, often diverting a portion of the revenue for their own use or to support their local interests.
Advocatione Decimarum played a significant role in the complex relationship between the church and secular powers during the medieval period. It reflected the ongoing power struggles and attempts to exert control over resources and revenues, often to the detriment of the church's authority and financial stability.
Etymology of ADVOCATIONE DECIMARUM
"Advocatione decimarum" is a Latin phrase that translates to "advocation of tithes" in English. The word "advocatione" comes from the Latin verb "advocare", which means "to summon", "to call", or "to advocate". In this context, it represents the act of calling upon an authority to support or defend the right to tithes.
The word "decimarum" is the genitive plural form of the Latin noun "decima", which means "a tenth part". It refers to the practice of tithing, where individuals or communities give one-tenth of their income or produce as a religious obligation or support for the church.
Therefore, "advocatione decimarum" can be understood as the legal or administrative process of advocating or summoning support for the proper collection or administration of tithes.
