Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BEN'E-FIT, n. [Primarily from L. beneficium, or benefactum; but perhaps directly from the Fr. bienfait, by corruption.]

1. An act of kindness; a favor conferred. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. – Ps. ciii.
2. Advantage; profit; a word of extensive use, and expressing whatever contributes to promote prosperity and personal happiness, or add value to property. Men have no right to what is not for their benefit. – Burke.
3. In law, benefit of clergy. [See Clergy.]