Black's Law Dictionary (2nd edition)dictionaries

Encomienda

In Spanish law. A grant from the crown to a private person of a certain portion of territory in the Spanish colonies, together with the concession of a certain number of the native inhabitants, on the feudal principle of commendation. 2 wools. Pol. Science, 161, 162. Also a royal grant of prlvlleges to the military orders of Spain

Source: Black’s Law Dictionary 2nd Ed (1910)