I. ˈbenəfə̇s noun
( plural benefic·es -fə̇sə̇z, -ˌfis-)
Etymology: Middle English (also, “favor, advantage, benefit”), from Middle French, from Medieval Latin, Late Latin, & Latin; Medieval Latin beneficium ecclesiastical and feudal benefice, Late Latin, right, benefit, from Latin, kindness, favor, support, promotion, from beneficus + -ium
1. : an ecclesiastical post or office to which property or a determined revenue is attached (as a rectory, vicarage, or perpetual curacy)
2. : a feudal estate in lands : fief ; specifically : an estate granted for life only and held on the mere good pleasure of the donor
3. : gift
a benefice of love — Amy Lowell
II. transitive verb
( beneficed ; beneficed ; beneficing -fə̇siŋ, -ˌfis- ; benefic·es )
Etymology: Middle English beneficen, from benefice, n.
: to endow or invest with a benefice
a beneficed clergyman