in the calendar, properly signifies the approach of the feast of the nativity. It includes four Sundays, and begins on St Andrew's day, or on the Sunday before or after it. During advent, and to the end of the octaves of epiphany, the solemnizing of marriage is forbidden without a special licence. It is intended to direct the thoughts of Christians to the first advent or coming of Christ in the flesh, and to his second advent or coming to judge the world. The primitive Christians practised great austerity during this season.

AD VENTRIEM INSPICENDUM, in Law, a writ by which a woman is to be searched whether she be with child by a former husband, on her withholding lands from the next, failing issue of her own body.