/wel"fair'/ , n.
1. the good fortune, health, happiness, prosperity, etc., of a person, group, or organization; well-being: to look after a child's welfare; the physical or moral welfare of society.
2. See welfare work .
3. financial or other assistance to an individual or family from a city, state, or national government: Thousands of jobless people in this city would starve if it weren't for welfare.
4. ( cap. ) Informal. a governmental agency that provides funds and aid to people in need, esp. those unable to work.
5. on welfare , receiving financial aid from the government or from a private organization because of hardship and need.
[ 1275-1325; ME, from phrase wel fare. See WELL 1 , FARE ]