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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Benefice \Ben"e*fice\, n. [F. b['e]n['e]fice, L. beneficium, a
kindness, in LL. a grant of an estate, fr. L. beneficus
beneficent; bene well facere to do. See {Benefit}.]
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1. A favor or benefit. [Obs.] --Baxter.
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2. (Feudal Law) An estate in lands; a fief.
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Note: Such an estate was granted at first for life only, and
held on the mere good pleasure of the donor; but
afterward, becoming hereditary, it received the
appellation of fief, and the term benefice became
appropriated to church livings.
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3. An ecclesiastical living and church preferment, as in the
Church of England; a church endowed with a revenue for the
maintenance of divine service. See {Advowson}.
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Note: All church preferments are called benefices, except
bishoprics, which are called dignities. But,
ordinarily, the term dignity is applied to bishoprics,
deaneries, archdeaconries, and prebendaryships;
benefice to parsonages, vicarages, and donatives.
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Benefice \Ben"e*fice\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Beneficed}.]
To endow with a benefice.

Note: [Commonly in the past participle.]
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