plurality of benefices

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Plurality \Plu*ral"i*ty\, n.; pl. {pluralities}. [L. pluralitas:
   cf. F. pluralit['e].]
   1. The state of being plural, or consisting of more than one;
      a number consisting of two or more of the same kind; as, a
      plurality of worlds; the plurality of a verb.
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   2. The greater number; a majority; also, the greatest of
      several numbers; in elections, the excess of the votes
      given for one candidate over those given for another, or
      for any other, candidate. When there are more than two
      candidates, the one who receives the plurality of votes
      may have less than a majority. See {Majority}.
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            Take the plurality of the world, and they are
            neither wise nor good.                --L'Estrange.
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   3. (Eccl.) See {Plurality of benefices}, below.
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   {Plurality of benefices} (Eccl.), the possession by one
      clergyman of more than one benefice or living. Each
      benefice thus held is called a plurality. [Eng.]
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