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commendam

noun com·men·dam \ kəˈmenˌdam \

Definition of commendam

plural -s
1 a :the custody or holding of a benefice by a cleric or a layperson to whom it is given in charge often only until a proper incumbent is provided
b :the enjoyment of the revenues from such a custody or holding
2 :a benefice held in commendam

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Origin and Etymology of commendam

Medieval Latin, accusative of commenda trust (as used in the phrase dare in commendam to give in trust)

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