Main Entry:

¹wel·fare

Pronunciation:

\ˈwel-ˌfer\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from the phrase wel faren to fare well

Date:

14th century

1: the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity <must look out for your own welfare>2 a: aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need b: an agency or program through which such aid is distributed