Search the Dictionary

A right formerly belonging to an archbishop to select any one dignity or benefice in the gift of a suffragan bishop consecrated or confirmed by him, for bestowal by himself when next vacant; -- annulled by Parliament in 1845.

One who has gift and disposition of a benefice. [Eng.]

The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson. Blackstone.

The state of a benefice when occupied. Blackstone.

A clerk or clergyman who holds more than one ecclesiastical benefice. [Eng.] Of the parochial clergy, a large proportion were pluralists. Macaulay.

See Plurality of benefices, below. Plurality of benefices (Eccl.), the possession by one clergyman of more than one benefice or living. Each benefice thus held is called a plurality. [Eng.]

To hold more than one benefice at the same time. [Eng.]

One of the incumbents of a benefice which has two or more rectors or vicars.

he estate of a cathedral or collegiate, church with which he is connected. See Note under Benefice.

prebend in consideration of his officiating at stated times in the church. See Note under Benefice, n., 3. Hook.

dignity of a prelate; church government by prelates. Prelacies may be termed the greater benefices. Ayliffe.

To nominate to an ecclesiastical benefice; to offer to the bishop or ordinary as a candidate for institution. The patron of a church may present his clerk to a parsonage or vicarage; that is, may offer him to the bishop of the diocese to be instituted. Blackstone.

The act of offering a clergyman to the bishop or ordinary for institution in a benefice; the right of presenting a clergyman. If the bishop admits the patron's presentation, the clerk so admitted is next to be instituted by him. Blackstone.

omething is presented; also, one who is presented; specifically (Eccl.), one presented to benefice. Ayliffe.

A fund for the support of a priest, without the title of a benefice. The patron in the collator.

Yielding or bringing profit or gain; gainful; lucrative; useful; helpful; advantageous; beneficial; as, a profitable trade; profitable business; a profitable study or profession. What was so profitable to the empire became fatal to the emperor. Arbuthnot. -- Prof"it*a*ble*ness, n. -- Prof"it*a*bly, adv.…

To appoint to an ecclesiastical benefice before it is vacant. See Provisor. Prescott.

A canonical term for regular induction into a benefice, comprehending nomination, collation, and installation.

One who is regularly inducted into a benefice. See Provision, 5. P. Plowman.

nt, -- required of a clergyman of the Church of England when he first officiates in a new benefice.