Obs. Forms: 1 abbodrice, 2 abbotrice, 3 abbodryche, 6 abbatrik, 7 abbotrick. [f. ABBOT + -RIC = OE. rice kingdom, realm, rule.] The benefice or jurisdiction of an abbot; an abbacy.
c. 1120. O. E. Chron. (Laud. MS.), anno 656. On his time wæx þet abbodrice … swiðe rice. Ibid. anno 963. He macode þær twá abbotrice. Ibid. (1127). Þæt he ne mihte hafen twa abbotrices on hande.
c. 1200. Charter of Eadweard (1067), Cod. Diplom., IV. 225. Ic habbe unnen Baldewine abbot ðe abbotriche intó seint Eádmundes biri.
a. 1300. O. E. Misc., 145. And Baþe wes Abbodryche.
1553–87. Foxe, A. & M. (1596), 189/2. He had had diverse bishopriks and abbatriks in his hand which were vacant.
1711. Madox, Hist. Excheq., 7. He filled up a great many vacant Bishopriks and Abbotricks.
