Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MU-NIF'I-CENCE, n. [Fr. from L. munificentia; munus, gift or favor, and facio, to make.]

1. A giving or bestowing liberally; bounty; liberality. To constitute munificence, the act of conferring must be free and proceed from generous motives. A state of poverty obscures all the virtues of liberality and munificence. Addison.
2. In Spenser, fortification or strength. [L. munio, to fortify.] [Not used.]