Definition of "sinecure" [si•ne•cure]

• A position or office that requires little or no work but provides a salary. (noun)
• Archaic An ecclesiastical benefice not attached to the spiritual duties of a parish. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Planning on enjoying a nice sinecure from the insurer by the time the patient dies."
• "When the claim Of a roan of distinguished merit arose, there was generally no vacancy of this kind; and when the vacancies occurred, the offices were in truth given away upon political or family considerations, without much re - gard to distinguished merit The word sinecure was a very unpopular word, and indeed so was the word pension, of which several no very favourable definitions had been given."
• "It's what they call a sinecure, "Alan was saying at the very instant the summons came."