Benefice: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.