- be·nev·o·lence
- Pronunciation:
- \bə-'nev-lən(t)s, -'ne-və-\
- Function:
- noun
- Date:
- 14th century
1: disposition to do good 2 a: an act of kindness b: a generous gift 3: a compulsory levy by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative