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friendly society

noun

Definition of friendly society 

British

: a mutual association for providing life and health insurance and old-age pension benefits to members

First Known Use of friendly society

1684, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of friendly society was in 1684

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More Definitions for friendly society

friendly society

noun

English Language Learners Definition of friendly society

: an association in which members pay money to receive benefits when they are old or sick

See the full definition for friendly society in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on friendly society

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about friendly society

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