behalf

The definition of behalf means in place of or for someone or something.

(noun)

An example of behalf is a lawyer acting for her client.

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See behalf in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

support, interest, side, etc.: I speak in his behalf

Origin: ME, in phrase on (mi) behalfe, on (my) side < OE be, by + healf, half, side

See behalf in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Interest, support, or benefit.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old English be healfe, by (his) side

Origin: : be, by, at; see by1

Origin: + healf, side, half; see half

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Usage Note: A traditional rule holds that in behalf of and on behalf of have distinct meanings. In behalf of means “for the benefit of,” as in We raised money in behalf of the earthquake victims. On behalf of means “as the agent of, on the part of,” as in The guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child. The two meanings are quite close, however, and the phrases are often used interchangeably, even by reputable writers.

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