commandery

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commandery.
1. Ecclesiastical or other benefice held in commendam (i.e. given to the charge of a qualified clerk or layman pending the appointment of an incumbent, or a benefice held by a bishop or other dignitary).

2. Landed estate or manor belonging to an Order of Knights (e.g. of St John of Jerusalem) under the charge of a Commander.

3. Conventual priory or non-military religious order.

4. The buildings of certain abbeys, priories, etc.

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