benefice

noun

ben·​e·​fice ˈbe-nə-fəs How to pronounce benefice (audio)
1
: an ecclesiastical office to which the revenue from an endowment is attached
2
: a feudal estate in lands : fief
benefice transitive verb

Examples of benefice in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Vicar of Bray was a celebrated side-switching clergyman who managed to retain his benefice during the religious controversies of the mid-16th century by constantly shifting his allegiance. D.j. Taylor, WSJ, 29 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin beneficium, from Latin, favor, promotion, from beneficus

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of benefice was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near benefice

Cite this Entry

“Benefice.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benefice. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

benefice

noun
ben·​e·​fice ˈben-ə-fəs How to pronounce benefice (audio)
: a post held by a member of the clergy that gives the right to use certain property and to receive income from stated sources

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