Glossary: Collation

One form of appointment to an ecclesiastical office, either to a benefice or as a dignitary. This term was applied when the ordinary, usually but not always the diocesan bishop, appointed to a living of which he was the patron or which a lapse had brought within his gift. When a clergyman was appointed to a living by collation, there was no presentation or institution, but collation was followed by induction or installation.