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.