Obs. Forms: 4 bonchef, -chif, boonchief, 5 boncheff, -cheef, -chyef, -chief, bonechief, bonnecheve. [f. F. bon good + chef ‘head,’ hence ‘end, issue’ (see CHIEF); opposed to, and perhaps formed on analogy of, MISCHIEF.] Good fortune, prosperity, easy circumstances.
c. 1340. Gaw. & Gr. Knt., 1764. Al watz blis & bonchef.
1387. Trevisa, Higden, Rolls Ser. I. I. xii. 87. Good happes and boonchief, as wel as yuel happes and meschief.
1563. Foxe, A. & M., I. 603/2. If I consented to do here after your will, for bonchief or mischief that may befal unto me in this life.
