Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BE-NEV'O-LENCE, n. [L. benevolentia, of bene, well, and volo, to will or wish. See Will.]

1. The disposition to do good; good will; kindness; charitableness; the love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness. The benevolence of God is one of his moral attributes; that attribute which delights in the happiness of intelligent beings. “God is love.” 1 John iv.
2. An act of kindness; good done; charity given.
3. A species of contribution or tax illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of England. – Blackstone.