Word Study
commendam
CIDE DICTIONARY
commendam, n. [LL. dare in commendam to give into trust.].
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." [1913 Webster]
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