Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROF'IT, v.t. [It. profittare; Fr. profiter.]

1. To benefit; to advantage; applied to one's self, to derive some pecuniary interest or some accession of good from any thing; as, to profit one's self by a commercial undertaking, or by reading or instruction. In this sense, the verb is generally used intransitively. Applied to others, to communicate good to; to advance the interest of. Brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you? – 1 Cor. xiv. Whereto might the strength of their hands profit me? – Job xxx.
2. To improve; to advance. It is a great means of profiting yourself, to copy diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs. – Dryden.