commendam Meaning, Definition & Usage

Com*men"dam noun

Etymology

LL. dare in commendam to give into trust.

Definitions

1. (Eng. Eccl. Law) A vacant living or benefice commended to a cleric (usually a bishop) who enjoyed the revenue until a pastor was provided. A living so held was said to be held in commendam. The practice was abolished by law in 1836.

   There was [formerly] some sense for commendams. Selden.