Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Benefice \Ben"e*fice\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Beneficed}.]
   To endow with a benefice.

   Note: [Commonly in the past participle.]

Benefice \Ben"e*fice\, n. [F. b['e]n['e]fice, L. beneficium, a
   kindness, in LL. a grant of an estate, fr. L. beneficus
   beneficent; bene well + facere to do. See {Benefit}.]
   1. A favor or benefit. [Obs.] --Baxter.

   2. (Feudal Law) An estate in lands; a fief.

   Note: Such an estate was granted at first for life only, and
         held on the mere good pleasure of the donor; but
         afterward, becoming hereditary, it received the
         appellation of fief, and the term benefice became
         appropriated to church livings.

   3. An ecclesiastical living and church preferment, as in the
      Church of England; a church endowed with a revenue for the
      maintenance of divine service. See {Advowson}.

   Note: All church preferments are called benefices, except
         bishoprics, which are called dignities. But,
         ordinarily, the term dignity is applied to bishoprics,
         deaneries, archdeaconries, and prebendaryships;
         benefice to parsonages, vicarages, and donatives.

Source : WordNet®

benefice
     n : an endowed church office giving income to its holder [syn: {ecclesiastical
         benefice}]

benefice
     v : endow with a benefice