1. The right in English ecclesiastical law of a presentation to a vacant benefice, a right exercised by nomination of a clergyman for a church or a church office that provides a living for its holder through an endowment with money attached to it.
2. In English law, an assignment for someone to be in a vacant position temporarily until another person has been chosen to be responsible permanently.
3. Etymology: from Middle English avouson, from Old French avoeson, from Medieval Latin advocatia, from Latin advocatio, "a summoning", from advocare, "to summon".