BEHALF

noun Etymology: Middle English, from by + half half, side Date: 14th century interest , benefit , Usage: A body of opinion favors in with the “interest, benefit” sense of ~ and on with the “support, defense” sense. This distinction has been observed by some writers but overall has never had a sound basis in actual usage. In current British use, on ~ (of) has replaced in ~ (of); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.