Pa. t. and pple. benefited. [f. prec. sb.]
1. trans. To do good to, to be of advantage or profit to; to improve, help forward.
1549. Cheke, Hurt Sedit., 46 (R.). Yee be not so much worthie as to be benefitted in any kinde.
1611. Shaks., Wint. T., IV. iv. 514. What course I mean to hold, Shall nothing benefit your knowledge.
a. 1613. Overbury, Worthy Comm., Wks. (1865), 107. If ever a man will benefit himselfe upon his foe, then is the time, when they have lost force.
1792. Burke, Let. Dundas, Wks. IX. 283. The cause of humanity would be far more benefited by the continuance of the trade.
1879. Lubbock, Addr. Pol. & Educ., i. 8. A system of duties which injures our interests without benefiting those of the colonies.
2. intr. (for refl.) To receive benefit, to get advantage; to profit.
1613. Shaks., Hen. VIII., I. ii. 80. Malicious censurers, which euer, As rau’nous Fishes, doe a Vessell follow That is new trim’d; but benefit no further Then vainly longing.
1644. Milton, Educ., Wks. (1847), 98/2. To tell you therefore what I have benefited herein.
1884. National Rev., July, 720. One who has never directly or indirectly benefited a single shilling by any humble efforts he may have put forth.
