What exactly does this baptism entry mean?

[mezentia]

I have a baptism for a child called Elionor on the 4 January 1648/49 in Chelmarsh, Shropshire. The image is on FindMyPast at:

https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=GBPRS%2FSHROP%2FP57-A-1-1%2F113764&parentid=GBPRS%2FSHROP%2FBAP%2F986894

The entry reads:

Elionor reputed bastard of James Dovie and Margery Lawrence, by procurement of Frauncis Dovie, the reputed grandfather

What does "by procurement of Frauncis Dovie ..." mean?

[Pinetree]

Could it be “pronouncement” meaning the grandfather gave the information?

Pinetree

[tonepad]

"Procurement" in the legal sense:

cause someone to do something


"Procure" appears in the Book of Common Prayer:

https://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-and-worship/worship-texts-and-resources/book-common-prayer/private-baptism-infants


Tony

[mezentia]

It's definitely procurement. I'm assuming Grandad got grandson by the scruff of his neck and made him own up to his dastardley deed

[mckha489]

Looking at the common prayer link from Tonepad,
Does that mean it was Grandad who baptised her.

[arthurk]

Looking at the common prayer link from Tonepad,
Does that mean it was Grandad who baptised her.

No, I think it means that it was the grandfather who arranged the baptism. We can only guess at the reason - maybe he decided that whatever his son had got up to, he was going to step up and accept some responsibility on behalf of the family; or maybe he just thought the parents were being a bit slow getting round to it.