a. Obs.–1 [f. L. sportula little basket, dole, gift, dim. of sporta SPORT sb.2] Supported by, dependent or subsisting on, the doles or gifts of patrons.
1649. Bp. Hall, Cases Consc., III. vii. (1650), 231. Hereupon it is, that these sportulary preachers are faine to sooth up their many maisters.
