Middle English Dictionary Entry
benevolent adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | benevolent adj. Also beni-. |
| Etymology | OF & L |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Well-disposed, friendly, helpful; --of persons or actions; (b) as noun: a well-wisher, a benefactor.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1443) Pecock Rule (Mrg M 519)108 : Cleere siȝti, knowing and benevolent weel willing, ben moost worþi worchingis.
- (a1460) Bokenham Sts. (Adv Abbotsford B3)100.39 (v.2:p.127) : By inspiracion of the grace of God, the kyngis hert was yolden beniuolent vnto hym, and fully enclyned to perfourmen his hooly entencion.
- c1460 Oseney Reg.68/6 : Þe apostell see is woned to graunte to þe..honest praieres of axers beniuolente fauor.
- a1500(a1450) Let.Marg.Anjou in Camd.86 (Add 46846)110 : We were the rather inclined and benevolent to desyre of said squyer..to do all his peyne..for delyverance of the said lord.
b
- (1472-3) RParl.6.35b : If the said John Glyn..not sue..their Maisters, Frendes, Welwillers, or Benevolentes.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- a1484 7Planets (Trin-C R.14.52)696/348 : If forsoth he were born vnder a beniuolent constellacioun, joie he and do wele vnwerily without ceassyng.
Note: Additional quot.
Supplemental Materials (draft)
- ?1482 Rev.Monk Eynsham1832 : His wyfe dide afore him almost a .xxx. wyntyr, after hoys dethe he leuyd continent and chaste, in a wydwardys lyfe, redy and benyuolente to alle men.
Note: Additional quote.