benefice

[ ben-uh-fis ]

noun

1. a position or post granted to an ecclesiastic that guarantees a fixed amount of property or income.
2. the revenue itself.
3. the equivalent of a fief in the early Middle Ages.

verb (used with object)

, ben·e·ficed, ben·e·fic·ing.

1. to invest with a benefice or ecclesiastical living.

benefice

/ ˈbɛnɪfɪs /

noun

1. Christianity an endowed Church office yielding an income to its holder; a Church living
2. the property or revenue attached to such an office
3. (in feudal society) a tenement (piece of land) held by a vassal from a landowner on easy terms or free, esp in return for military support See also vassalage

verb

1. tr to provide with a benefice

Other Words From

• non·bene·ficed adjective
• un·bene·ficed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of benefice¹

1300–50; Middle English < Middle French < Latin beneficium service, kindness ( benefic ( us ) benefic + -ium -ium )

Word History and Origins

Origin of benefice¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin beneficium benefit, from beneficus , from bene well + facere to do

Example Sentences

Heinsberg had promised a certain benefice to Louis de Bourbon, the Duke's nephew, but gave it to another claimant.

From Project Gutenberg

In one instance Parker deprived a vicar of his benefice for a denial of the verbal inspiration of the Bible.

From Project Gutenberg

Having infringed this politic law, he was put in prison, defamed, and driven from his benefice.

From Project Gutenberg

Advowson, ad-vow′zun, n. the right of patronage or presentation to a church benefice.

From Project Gutenberg

For six years Jimenes held out, and at length in 1480 Carillo restored him to his benefice.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• district