commendam

[ kuh-men-dam ]
/ kəˈmɛn dæm /

noun Ecclesiastical.

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

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 from the Web for commendam

British Dictionary definitions for commendam

commendam
/ (kəˈmɛndæm) /

noun

the temporary holding of an ecclesiastical benefice
a benefice so held

Word Origin for commendam

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