commendam

American  

[kuh-men-dam] / kəˈmɛn dæm /

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.

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commendam British  

/ kəˈmɛndæm /

noun

1. the temporary holding of an ecclesiastical benefice

2. a benefice so held

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Etymology

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

Example Sentences

Trading corporations for profit were practically unknown to the Romans, or even to Continental countries—scholastic precedents and the Venetian commendam to the contrary notwithstanding.

From Popular Law-making by Stimson, Frederic Jesup

Along with this abbey of Dryburgh, he held in commendam those of Pittenweem, Coldingham, and Dunfermline.

From Seeing Europe with Famous Authors, Volume 2 Great Britain and Ireland, Part 2 by Halsey, Francis W. (Francis Whiting)

A Brief "In commendam" was bestowed upon him, whereby the revenue of all vacant benefices and Papal dignities, for six months, were transferred to his account.

From The Tragedies of the Medici by Staley, Edgcumbe

In 1541 James V. obtained from the Pope the abbeys of Melrose and Kelso, to be held in commendam by his illegitimate son James, who died in 1558.

From Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys by Butler, Dugald

Bonivard never took monastic vows or holy orders, but held his living in commendam, as a lay-man.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Volume 22. July, 1878. by Various