A living or benefice in an established church; esp. in the Church of England.
a. 1600. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., VII. xxiv. § 7. When corruptly they bestow church-livings.
1635. Pagitt, Christianogr., 206. Seising upon Church-livings.
1797. Godwin, Enquirer, II. ix. 309. I gain … a rich church-living by the change.
