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

1 archaic : an act of kindness : benefaction
2 a : something that promotes well-being : advantage b : useful aid : help
3 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 salary
4 : an entertainment or social event to raise funds for a person or cause