Glebe

usgb/ɡliːb/
noun

Land owned and used by a church, especially in the past.

The medieval church relied on income from its glebe lands to support its clergy.
Visual representation of "glebe" - Land owned and used by a church, especially in the past.

Often appears as...

  • glebe land
  • glebe house

Usage tips

Formal

Historical

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "glebe"
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Historical Usage

The term 'glebe' is rarely used in modern English and carries historical significance, especially in older texts.

Illustration for Historical Usage
In the Domesday Book, several entries refer to glebe as significant church possessions.
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Church-Related

'Glebe' specifically links to church-owned land, so it's relevant in religious and historical contexts.

Illustration for Church-Related
The ancient maps showed the boundaries of the glebe belonging to the cathedral.
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Geographical Nuance

Understanding 'glebe' may vary by region. In the UK, it's understood historically; elsewhere, it might be unfamiliar.

Illustration for Geographical Nuance
The tour guide explained the concept of glebe to the foreign visitors at the old English church.
Visual representation of the word "Glebe"

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