What is "preconization"

Preconization \Pre*con`i*za"tion\, n. [L. praeconium a crying out in public, fr. praeco, -onis, a crier, a herald: cf. F. pr['e]conisation.]

1. A publishing by proclamation; a public proclamation.
   --Bp. Hall.

2. (Eccl.) A formal approbation by the pope of a person nominated to an ecclesiastical dignity.
   --Addis & Arnold.

n. 1 A publishing by proclamation; a public proclamation. 2 A formal approbation by the pope of a person nominated to an ecclesiastical dignity.

A preconization (Late Lat. praeconizatio, from praeconizare, "to proclaim", Lat. praeco, "a public crier") is a public proclamation or announcement. In this sense it is practically obsolete; but the word is still technically used of the solemn proclamation of new bishops, and of the sees to which they are appointed, made by the pope in the consistory of cardinals.