commendam

[ kuh-men-dam ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. the tenure of a benefice to be held until the appointment of a regular incumbent, the benefice being said to be held in commendam.
2. a benefice so held.

commendam

/ kəˈmɛndæm /

noun

1. the temporary holding of an ecclesiastical benefice
2. a benefice so held

Word History and Origins

Origin of commendam¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of commendam¹

C16: from Medieval Latin phrase dare in commendam to give in trust, from commenda trust, back formation from Latin commendāre to entrust, commend

Example Sentences

He was consecrated bishop of Norwich in 1792, and two years later received the appointment of dean of Windsor in commendam.

From Project Gutenberg

To supplement this paltry revenue the bishops often held other appointments in commendam.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1566 he was raised to the bishopric of Bangor; and he held the living of Whitney, in Oxfordshire, in commendam.

From Project Gutenberg

This great cardinal was invested with the temporalities on December 7th, 1521, and held the Abbey "in commendam."

From Project Gutenberg

He held "in commendam" the abbey of St. Albans, and many other church preferments.

From Project Gutenberg