The first year's income or revenue from a benefice or church position, traditionally paid to the papal treasury or a secular ruler.
From Medieval Latin 'annatae' (annual [payments]), derived from 'annus' (year); the Pope required these payments from newly appointed bishops and other clergy as early as the 14th century.
The Pope's claim to annates became so controversial that it was one of the reasons England broke with Rome under Henry VIII—it was seen as the Church squeezing money from already-cash-strapped bishops!
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