benefice

/'benifis/

Thân thiện

The bishop conferred the benefice upon the new rector.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • An endowed church office providing income to its holder: A "benefice" is a permanent ecclesiastical position, such as a rectory or vicarage, to which property and revenue are attached for the support of its incumbent.
   • The property or revenue itself: "Benefice" can also refer to the land, tithes, or other sources of income associated with such a church office.

2. Verb:

   • To endow with a benefice: To bestow or provide a church office with its associated income and property.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The priest was appointed to a wealthy benefice in the countryside.
  • The income from the benefice supported the vicar and the upkeep of the church.

• Verb:

  • The king beneficed the loyal bishop with a large estate. (This verb form is now rare in modern usage.)

Advanced Usage

• "To hold a benefice": To be the incumbent of a church office with its attached income.

  • He held the benefice for over thirty years before retiring.

• "A vacant benefice": A church office that is currently without an incumbent.

  • The diocese is seeking a suitable candidate for the vacant benefice.

Variants and Related Words

• Beneficed (adj.): Describing a clergyman who holds a benefice.

  • A beneficed clergyman has greater financial security than a curate.

• Beneficiary (n.): A person who derives advantage from something, especially a trust, will, or life insurance policy. (Note: This is a related but distinct term from the ecclesiastical "benefice").

Synonyms

• Ecclesiastical living: A synonym for a benefice as a church office with income.
• Sinecure: A position requiring little or no work but providing financial benefit. (This can be a synonym in a secular or critical context, implying the benefice requires minimal duty).

Related Phrases

• "To be in possession of a benefice": A formal phrase meaning to hold and receive the income from a church office.
  • He was in possession of a benefice that yielded a considerable annual sum.

Notes on Usage

• The term "benefice" is primarily historical and ecclesiastical. It is most commonly encountered in contexts related to the history of the Christian church, particularly in Anglican and Catholic traditions.
• The verb form ("to benefice") is largely archaic and is rarely used in contemporary English.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an endowed church office giving income to its holder

Verb

1. endow with a benefice

Từ đồng nghĩa

• ecclesiastical benefice