church-ˈliving A living or benefice in an established church; esp. in the Church of England. a1600Hooker Eccl.Pol. vii. xxiv. §7 When corruptly they bestow church-livings.1635E. Pagitt Christianogr. 206 Seising upon Church-livings.1797Godwin Enquirer ii. ix. 309, I gain..a rich church-living by the change.