n.
Pronunciation: bi- ' haf, - ' häf, b ē -
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from by + half half, side
Date: 14th century
: INTEREST , BENEFIT also : SUPPORT , DEFENSE <argued in his behalf >
– on behalf of or in behalf of : in the interest of also : as a representative of
usage A body of opinion favors in with the “ interest, benefit ” sense of behalf 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 behalf ( of ) has replaced in behalf ( of ); both are still used in American English, but the distinction is frequently not observed.