Final answer:
A 'tithe' is the term for a payment of one-tenth of annual produce or earnings, used historically as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term that refers to a payment of one-tenth of annual produce or earnings, which was formerly taken as a tax for the support of the Church and clergy, is known as a tithe. This system of tithing meant that every member of the society had to contribute a portion of their earnings or produce to the Church. In the context of European history, especially during the medieval period, the Catholic Church accumulated significant wealth through such tithes. It was not just a form of religious giving but was also used by the Church as a mechanism for maintaining economic power and societal influence.