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commendam

noun
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com·​men·​dam | \ kəˈmenˌdam \
plural -s

Definition of commendam

1a : 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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History and Etymology for commendam

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

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Cite this Entry

“Commendam.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/commendam. Accessed 20 Jun. 2021.

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