Main Entry:

¹ben·e·fit

Pronunciation:

\ˈbe-nə-ˌfit\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French benfet, from Latin bene factum, from neuter of bene factus, past participle of bene facere

Date:

14th century

1archaic : an act of kindness : benefaction2 a: something that promotes well-being : advantage b: useful aid : help3 a: financial help in time of sickness, old age, or unemployment b: a payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy c: a service (as health insurance) or right (as to take vacation time) provided by an employer in addition to wages or salary4: an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause