Pre"bend (?), n. [F. prebende (cf. It. & Sp. prebenda), from L. praebenda, from L. praebere to hold forth, afford, contr. fr. praehibere; prae before + habere to have, hold. See Habit, and cf. Provender.]
1.
A payment or stipend; esp., the stipend or maintenance granted to a prebendary out of the estate of a cathedral or collegiate, church with which he is connected. See Note under Benefice.
2.
A prebendary.
[Obs.]
Bacon.
Dignitary prebend, one having jurisdiction annexed to it. -- Simple prebend, one without jurisdiction.
© Webster 1913.