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Benefice Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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benefice

[หˆbษ›nษชfษชs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

church

An ecclesiastical living and its revenues; a church endowed with a revenue for the maintenance of divine service. In the Roman Catholic Church, benefices are spiritual offices conferred for a fixed stipend.

Synonyms

living, parsonage, rectory.

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Word Description / Examples
benefice

This term is typically used in ecclesiastical settings to refer to a church office that provides a living for a clergyman. It can include the income and property associated with that office.

  • The newly appointed pastor was grateful for his benefice, which provided him with both a house and a steady income
living

Often used in British English in ecclesiastical contexts to describe the income and property given to a clergyman. It is similar to 'benefice' but can be more focused on the livelihood aspect.

  • He was offered a living in a quiet countryside parish, where he could look after his flock and sustain his family
rectory

Similar to 'parsonage', this term is used to denote the residence of a rector. It is more common in Anglican and some Protestant contexts and often used interchangeably with 'parsonage'.

  • The annual garden party was held on the lawn of the rectory, which was beautifully maintained by the rector's family
parsonage

This word specifically refers to the house provided for a parson, or clergyman, to live in. It focuses more on the residence itself rather than the income or office.

  • The old parsonage was located next to the church, making it convenient for Reverend Smith to attend to his parishioners

Examples of usage

  • He was appointed to a benefice in the countryside.
  • The benefice provided a comfortable income for the priest.
Context #2 | Noun

history

A feudal estate held on condition of the performing of certain services.

Synonyms

feudal holding, fief, land grant.

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Word Description / Examples
benefice

While 'benefice' can also sometimes be used in legal or historical contexts to refer to the grant of land or revenue, this usage is less common today.

  • In medieval times, a benefice was often given in exchange for service to the lord or king.
feudal holding

Relevant in historical and legal discussions about the feudal system, 'feudal holding' refers to land held under the tenure system, often granted by a lord to a vassal in return for services.

  • The knight's feudal holding required him to provide military service to his lord.
  • Feudal holdings were a fundamental component of medieval European society.
fief

Commonly used in historical contexts dealing with medieval feudalism, 'fief' denotes an estate of land granted by a lord to a vassal in return for loyalty and service. It is often associated with knights and feudal obligations.

  • The lord granted a fief to the knight in recognition of his loyalty.
  • A fief often included several villages and the peasant workforce attached to them.
land grant

Used more broadly and in various legal, historical, and governmental discussions, 'land grant' refers to the allocation of public land to individuals or organizations, typically by the government. It's not specific to the feudal system.

  • The government offered a land grant to settlers willing to cultivate the region.
  • He received a land grant for his contributions to the community development project.

Examples of usage

  • The lord granted him a benefice in exchange for loyalty and military service.
Context #3 | Verb

formal

To invest with a benefice or ecclesiastical living.

Synonyms

appoint, endow, install.

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Word Description / Examples
benefice

Used primarily in religious or historical settings to refer to a church office endowed with fixed capital assets or revenue.

  • The bishop's benefice included a large property and significant income.
  • They researched the various benefices held by the clergy during the medieval period.
endow

Typically used when referring to giving funds or property to an organization or institution, especially for a specific purpose.

  • The philanthropist decided to endow a new scholarship fund for underprivileged students.
  • They aim to endow the hospital with the resources it needs to build a new wing.
appoint

Best used in formal or official contexts when assigning someone to a position or role.

  • The committee will appoint a new director by the end of the month.
  • She was appointed as the chairperson of the board last year.
install

Commonly used when placing someone in a specific position, especially in formal or ceremonial settings. It can also refer to setting up equipment, software, or systems.

  • The newly elected president was installed with great ceremony.
  • You need to install the software before you can use the new printer.

Examples of usage

  • The bishop decided to benefice the new priest in the cathedral.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During the Middle Ages, benefices were important for the church's structure, often providing pastors with a source of income.
  • The system of benefices sometimes led to abuses, with individuals holding multiple positions for profit rather than service.
  • Reforms in the church sought to address these issues, emphasizing the need for genuine commitment to the community.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, benefices are seen as a sign of prestige, linking individual wealth to moral and social responsibility.
  • The concept of benefices persists in modern discussions about the appropriate balance of spiritual and financial obligations in religious institutions.

Legal Aspects

  • Benefices can come with specific legal rights and obligations depending on the church or denominationโ€™s regulations.
  • In some countries, the laws surrounding benefices have evolved to ensure transparency and prevent corruption within the church.

Modern Usage

  • While the term is less common today, it still shapes discussions around church governance and funding.
  • Some contemporary interpretations focus on the idea of 'benefit' in nonprofit organizations and their responsibilities to provide community services.

Origin of 'benefice'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'beneficium,' meaning 'benefit' or 'favor.'
  • In medieval Latin, it evolved to describe ecclesiastical positions endowed with income.
  • The term has its roots in the concept of service and support within the community.

The word 'benefice' originated from the Latin word 'beneficium' meaning 'benefit, kindness, favor'. In medieval times, benefices were granted by the church as rewards for services rendered. The system of benefices played a significant role in the organization and administration of the church during the Middle Ages.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,579, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.