[wel.fare] n [ME, fr. the phrase wel faren to fare well] (14c) 1: the state of doing well esp. in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity
2. a: aid in the form of money or necessities for those in need b: an agency or program through which such aid is distributed
[2]welfare adj (1904) 1: of, relating to, or concerned with welfare and esp. with improvement of the welfare of disadvantaged social groups "~ legislation"
2: receiving public welfare benefits "~ families"