In the eighth century, the practice became widely abused when kings claimed the right to appoint abbots in commendam over monasteries, often nominating their own vassals, who were not monks but laymen, as a way of rewarding them.
In 16th-century France, however, the Kings continued to appoint abbots and the nomination of the King's close relatives to office became commonplace particularly in La Chaise-Dieu [REF].