Congé d'élire

Congé d'élire (Norman-French), the name given in England to the king's warrant or permission to a dean and chapter to proceed to the election of a bishop to a vacant see. Since the act of Henry VIII. in 1534, the congé d'élire has always been accompanied by a letter-missive from the sovereign, mentioning the person to be elected by name, so that in reality it is a nomination by the crown. If the dean and chapter delay the election beyond twelve days, the nomination is effected by letters-patent from the crown; if they delay beyond twenty days, or elect another than the person named, they incur the penalties of a Præmunire (q.v.). See BISHOP.