Meaning & use

benefice

noun·Advanced

A church position that provides its holder with a fixed income, especially in the Church of England.

See it in a sentence

The young clergyman was granted a small benefice in a rural parish.

Historically, wealthy patrons could appoint clergy to a benefice under their control.

A note on using this word

Benefice refers specifically to the office and its income, not to the church building or the clergy member personally.

Words with a similar meaning

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