commendam

noun

com·​men·​dam

kəˈmenˌdam

plural -s

1

a

: the custody or holding of a benefice by a cleric or a layperson to whom it is given in charge often only until a proper incumbent is provided

b

: the enjoyment of the revenues from such a custody or holding

2

: a benefice held in commendam

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, accusative of commenda trust (as used in the phrase dare in commendam to give in trust)

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