Benefit (&unr_;), 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.] 1. 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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2. 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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3. 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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4. Beneficence; liberality. [Obs.] Webster (1623).
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5. 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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Benefit, v. i. To gain advantage; to make improvement; to profit; as, he will benefit by the change.
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