noun

1. Archaic a kindly, charitable act; benefaction
2. 1. gain or advantage tax legislation for the benefit of the rich
   2. a favorable or beneficial circumstance, condition, or result several benefits to good nutrition
3. fringe benefit
4. payments made by an insurance company, public agency, welfare society, etc. as during sickness, retirement, unemployment, etc. or for death
5. any public performance, bazaar, dance, etc. the proceeds of which are to help a certain person, group, or cause

Etymology: ME benefet < OFr bienfait, a kindness < L benefactum, meritorious act < benefacere: see benefaction

transitive verb benefited -·fited, benefiting -·fit·ing

intransitive verb