PARSON

( Persona ecclesiæ. ) Parson properly signifies the rector of a parish church, because, during the time of his incumbency, he represents the Church, and in the eye of the law sustains the person thereof, as well in suing as in being sued, in any action touching the same. Parson imparsonee ( persona imp ers on at a ) is he that, as lawful incumbent, is in actual po e ion of a parish church, and with whom the church is full, whether it be presentative or impropriate. The word persona is however applied in ancient documents to others besides parochial incumbents, that is, to ecclesiastical officers who had a personal responsibility for the services and duties proper to their churches. (See Persona .)