subs. (theatrical).—1.  A benefit; a performance of which the receipts, after paying expenses, are devoted to one person’s special use or benefit.

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  1872.  M. E. BRADDON, Dead-Sea Fruit, I., 190. ‘I have played clown for my BEN,’ murmured the great Dr. Mortemas.

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  1880.  G. R. SIMS, Ballads of Babylon (Forgotten—A Last Interview). You saw me as Hamlet, Charley, the night that I had my BEN.

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  2.  (old cant).—A fool (B. E. and GROSE). Hence BENISH = foolish.

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  3.  (common).—A BENJAMIN (q.v.), a coat; also BENJY (q.v.), a waistcoat.

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  1876.  C. HINDLEY, ed. The Life and Adventures of a Cheap Jack, 252. In offering these ‘BENS,’ the plan was to put them on to show how well they fitted.

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  3.  (workmen’s).—In pl. = tools.

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  TO STAND BEN, verb. phr. (common).—To stand treat.

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  See BENE.

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