welfare

Welfare is the state of good health, happiness and comfort or financial assistance from the government.

(noun)

  1. An example of welfare is having food and lodging during a time of severe hardship.
  2. An example of welfare is a food stamp.

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See welfare in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. the state of being or doing well; condition of health, happiness, and comfort; well-being; prosperity
    1. the organized efforts of government agencies that grant aid to the poor, the unemployed, etc.
    2. such aid
  2. welfare work

Origin: ME < wel faren, to fare well: see well & fare

See welfare in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. Health, happiness, and good fortune; well-being.
    b. Prosperity.
  2. Welfare work.
  3. a. Financial or other aid provided, especially by the government, to people in need.
    b. Corporate welfare.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from wel faren, to fare well

Origin: , from Old English wel faran

Origin: : wel, well; see well2

Origin: + faran, to get along; see fare

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