a.; also 7 benificent. [f. L. *beneficent-, whence beneficenti-or, compar. of beneficus, and beneficentia: see prec. Cf. magnificent.] Doing good, performing kind deeds, characterized by beneficence. (Beneficial was previously used in this sense.) a. of persons.
1616. Bullokar, Beneficent, liberall, louing.
a. 1677. Barrow, Wks. (1683), 173. A most wise, most powerfull, most beneficent authour.
1725. Pope, Odyss., IV. 917. Gentle of speech, beneficent of mind.
1879. Lefevre, Philos., i. 20. Confucius is still revered as a beneficent genius.
b. of things.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., 5. Objects, the knowledge whereof is … very beneficent to Mankind.
1772. Pennant, Tours Scotl. (1774), 38. That beneficent luminary the Sun.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 530. That disease, over which science has since achieved a succession of glorious and beneficent victories.
1871. R. W. Dale, Commandm., iv. 103. The Sabbath was a singularly beneficent institution.
