noun
- A benefice or church office granted in trust to a clergyman, typically without the requirement to perform the usual duties.
Usage: archaic; ecclesiastical; historical
Examples
- The bishop granted him a commendam to provide income without pastoral responsibilities.
- In medieval times, a commendam was often given to younger sons of noble families.
- The practice of awarding commendams became controversial during the Reformation.
- He held a commendam at the cathedral for many years.