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.

Noun

1. an endowed church office giving income to its holder

Verb

1. endow with a benefice