PARSON

The rector of a church; one that has full possession of all the rights of a parochial church. The appellation of “parson,” however it may be depreciated by familiar, clownish, and indiscriminate use, is the most legal, most beneficial, and most honorable title that a parish priest can enjoy, because such a one, Sir Edward Coke observes, and he only, is said vicem sen personam ecclesiw gcrere, (to represent and bear the person of the church.) 1 Bl. Comm. 884. Parson imparsonee. In English law. A clerk or parson in full possession of a benefice. Cowell-Parson mortal. A rector instituted and inducted for his own life. But any collegiate or conventional body, to whom a church was forever .appropriated, was termed “persona immortolis” Wharton.