Benefice is a term that is often used in religious and historical contexts. It is a word that has a rich history and has been used in various ways throughout the centuries. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of benefice, its origin, and how it is used in different dictionaries.
Definitions
A benefice is a type of ecclesiastical office or position that is granted to a member of the clergy. It is typically associated with the Roman Catholic Church, but it has also been used in other Christian denominations throughout history. A benefice can come with various privileges and responsibilities, including the right to receive income from the church or other sources, as well as the obligation to provide certain services to the community.
Origin
The word benefice comes from the Latin word “beneficium,” which means “favor” or “benefit.” It was first used in the context of the church in the early Middle Ages, when the church began to grant land and other resources to members of the clergy in exchange for their services. Over time, the meaning of benefice evolved to include a wider range of privileges and responsibilities.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, benefice is defined as “a permanent ecclesiastical office endowed with a revenue.” The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as “a church office endowed with fixed capital assets and income.”
Associations
Benefice is often associated with the Roman Catholic Church, but it has also been used in other Christian denominations throughout history. It is typically associated with a particular geographical area or parish, and the holder of a benefice is responsible for providing certain services to the community, such as conducting religious services and providing pastoral care.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of benefice include:
- Living.
- Parish.
- Vicarage.
- Rectory.
- Curacy.
Antonyms
Some antonyms of benefice include:
- Layperson.
- Secular.
- Non-clergy.
The same root words
Some words that share the same root as benefice include:
- Benefactor.
- Beneficiary.
- Benefit.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word benefice:
- The bishop granted him a benefice in recognition of his years of service to the church.
- The benefice came with a comfortable income and a spacious rectory.
- The vicar was responsible for overseeing several benefices in the area.
- The benefice was a valuable asset that had been passed down through generations of clergy members.
- The church was struggling to find someone to fill the vacant benefice.