GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Benefit , n. [OE. benefet, benfeet, bienfet, F. bienfait, fr. L. benefactum; bene well (adv. of bonus good) + factum, p. p. of facere to do. See Bounty, and Fact.]
   An act of kindness; a favor conferred.
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   Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
   Ps. ciii. 2.
   
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   Whatever promotes prosperity and personal happiness, or adds value to property; advantage; profit.
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   Men have no right to what is not for their benefit.
   Burke.
   
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   A theatrical performance, a concert, or the like, the proceeds of which do not go to the lessee of the theater or to the company, but to some individual actor, or to some charitable use.
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   Beneficence; liberality. [Obs.]
   Webster  (1623).
   
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   pl. Natural advantages; endowments; accomplishments. [R.] “The benefits of your own country.”  
   Shak.
   
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   Benefit of clergy. (Law) See under Clergy.
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   Syn. -- Profit; service; use; avail. See Advantage.
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2.       
   Benefit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Benefited; p. pr. & vb. n. Benefitting.] To be beneficial to; to do good to; to advantage; to advance in health or prosperity; to be useful to; to profit.
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   I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
   Jer. xviii. 10.
   
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3.       
   Benefit, v. i. To gain advantage; to make improvement; to profit; as, he will benefit by the change.
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