COMMENDAM

Etymology

Noun

commendam (plural commendams)

(religion, obsolete) A vacant benefice commended to a cleric until an incumbent was provided.

Source: Wiktionary

Com*men"dam, n. Etym: [LL. dare in commendam to give into trust.] (Eng. Eccl. Law)

Definition: 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. Partnership in commendam. See under Partnership.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition