1. Hist. One year’s profits from the land of a tenant in capite, payable to the Crown after the tenant’s death. — Also termed primer seisin.
2. Hist. Eccles. law. The first year’s whole profits of a clergyman’s benefice, paid by the incumbent to the Pope, or (after the break with Rome) to the Crown. • This revenue was later termed “Queen Anne’s Bounty” when it was converted to a fund to benefit the poor. — Sometimes spelled firstfruits. — Also termed primitiae; annates; annats; Queen Anne’s Bounty.
