Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CU'RA-CY, or CU'RATE-SHIP, n. [Sec Cure and Curate.]

1. The office or employment of a curate; the employment of a clergyman who represents the incumbent or beneficiary of a church, parson or vicar, and officiates in his stead. – Swift.
2. A benefice held by license from the bishop.