'advowry' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'avouer,' where 'avouer' meant 'to acknowledge or confess.'

'avouer' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'advocare,' and eventually became the modern English word 'advowry' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to acknowledge or confess,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'defending a right to present a clergyman.'