Sinecure

Properly a benefice without cure of souls (sine cura animarum), i.e., (1) where a rector and vicar are instituted to the same church, the former is excused from duty and the rectory is called a sinecure benefice; (2) where the benefice, being donative, is committed to the incumbent by the patron expressly without cure of souls, the cure not existing; (3) where a parish is destitute of parishioners (called also depopulation). Certain cathedral offices, viz. Canonries and prebends, are also called sinecures. By extension 'sinecure' is used in everyday speech to describe a post of profit which involves no work.

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