The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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         There was [formerly] some sense for commendams.
                                                  --Selden.
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   Partnership in commendam. See under Partnership.
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