prebend

noun

preb·​end ˈpre-bənd How to pronounce prebend (audio)
1
: a stipend furnished by a cathedral or collegiate church to a clergyman (such as a canon) in its chapter
2
prebendal adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English prebende, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praebenda, from Late Latin, subsistence allowance granted by the state, from Latin, feminine of praebendus, gerundive of praebēre to offer, from prae- + habēre to hold — more at give

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prebend was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near prebend

Cite this Entry

“Prebend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prebend. Accessed 20 Mar. 2023.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Challenging Standardized Test Words, Vol. 2

  • a pencil broken in half on top of a test answer sheet
  • The business’s new computer system proved not to be a panacea.
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY