What is "adelphate"

Adelphate (, from the Greek adelphos = brother), is the right of some person to reside in monastery and receiving subsidies from its resources. This right was either purchased or exchanged for some property during medieval period, when feudal lords wanted to secure for themselves shelter after retirement or losing control over their feuds. One adelphate was valid on name of exact person, and could not be resold, transferred or even inherited by another.