parsonage

[ pahr-suh-nij ]

noun

1. the residence of a member of the clergy, as provided by the parish or church.
2. English Ecclesiastical Law. the benefice of a parson.

parsonage

/ ˈpɑːsənɪdʒ /

noun

1. the residence of a parson who is not a rector or vicar, as provided by the parish

Word History and Origins

Origin of parsonage¹

1250–1300; Middle English personage < Anglo-French, equivalent to Medieval Latin persōnāticum benefice. See parson, -age

Example Sentences

An 85-year-old woman of limited means who lived in an old parsonage in exchange for minimal rent and maintenance duties also died with insufficient cooling.

From Seattle Times

Witnesses also raised concerns about the appearance of nepotism because her daughter lived for a time rent-free in the parsonage and worked as an administrative assistant for a district superintendent.

From Washington Times

Campbell cited a legal opinion from the conference chancellor saying that the local church could decide whom it offered hospitality in its parsonage.

From Seattle Times

The flowers were likely planted several years ago, she said, when the garden space was part of an old parsonage, and they typically bloom from spring until fall.

From Seattle Times

At 13, Jay got his first summer construction job, hauling bricks and mixing mortar for a crew building a church parsonage just over the county line.

From Los Angeles Times