[f. as prec. + -MENT.]
1. The fact of making or becoming better; the condition of being better; amendment, improvement, amelioration, reformation.
1598. Sylvester, Agst. Libertie, in Du Bartas (1608), 628. What may most availe unto his betterment.
1649. Blithe, Eng. Improv. Impr. (1652), 250. Why we should not … raise our Flax to a great betterment too, I know not.
1669. Woodhead, St. Teresa, I. 293. I find not this betterment of my health.
1865. Miss Cary, Bal. & Lyrics, 304. Each man should live for all men’s betterment.
2. spec. Improvement of property. (In U.S.)
1809. Kendall, Trav., III. lxxiv. 160. These men … demand either to be left owners of the soil, or paid for their betterments.
1830. Galt, Lawrie T., III. i. (1849), 8. He sold off his land and betterments in Vermont.
† 3. = BETTERNESS 1; difference for the better. Obs.
1678. Bunyan, Pilgr., I. 35. It will appear there is no betterment ’twixt him [Pliable] and my self.
