In English ecclesiastical law. The taking away from a clergyman his benefice or other spiritual promotion or dignity, either by sentence declaratory in the proper court for fit and sufficient causes or in pursuance of divers penal statutes which declare the benefice void for some nonfeasance or neglect, or some malfeasance or crime. 3 Steph. Comm. 87, 88; Burn, Ecc Law, tit “Deprivation.”