Commendam \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)