Commendam

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Commendam \Com*men"dam\, n. [LL. dare in commendam to give into
     trust.] (Eng. Eccl. Law)
     A vacant living or benefice commended to a cleric (usually a
     bishop) who enjoyed the revenue until a pastor was provided.
     A living so held was said to be held in commendam. The
     practice was abolished by law in 1836.


     [1913 Webster]
  
           There was [formerly] some sense for commendams.
                                                    --Selden.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     {Partnership in commendam}. See under {Partnership}.
        [1913 Webster]