\Com*men"dam\, n. [LL. dare in commendam to give into
trust.] (Eng. Eccl. Law)
A vacant living or benefice commended to a cleric (usually a
bishop) who enjoyed the revenue until a pastor was provided.
A living so held was said to be held in commendam. The
practice was abolished by law in 1836.
      There was [formerly] some sense for commendams.
                                               --Selden.
{Partnership in commendam}. See under {Partnership}.