1. a church office or position that provides income to a member of the clergy
Usage: formal; chiefly historical or ecclesiastical
2. a feudal estate or fief granted by a lord to a vassal
Usage: archaic; historical

Examples

• The bishop granted him a benefice in the cathedral.
• Medieval knights often received a benefice from their lord in exchange for military service.
• She was appointed to a benefice that provided her with a comfortable income.
• The benefice came with both prestige and financial security.
• In feudal times, a benefice was a common way to reward loyal vassals.