commendam
[kuh-men-dam]
- the tenure of a benefice to be held until the appointment of a regular incumbent, the benefice being said to be held in commendam.
- a benefice so held.
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Origin of commendam
1555–65; < Medieval Latin, short for (dare) in commendam (to give) in trust; commendam, accusative singular of commenda, noun derivative of Latin commendāre to commend
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for commendam
Historical Examples
An act of 1836 prohibited the holding of benefices in commendam in England.
To this added the fiat ut petitur, granting Lesley a dispensation to hold this benefice in commendam.
Bonivard never took monastic vows or holy orders, but held his living in commendam, as a lay-man.
But there is a method, by the favour of the crown, of holding such livings in commendam.
Commentaries on the Laws of EnglandWilliam Blackstone
This great cardinal was invested with the temporalities on December 7th, 1521, and held the Abbey "in commendam."
Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Saint AlbansThomas Perkins
commendam
- the temporary holding of an ecclesiastical benefice
- a benefice so held
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Word Origin
C16: from Medieval Latin phrase dare in commendam to give in trust, from commenda trust, back formation from Latin commendāre to entrust, commend
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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