bə̇ˈnevələn(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin benevolentia, from benevolent-, benevolens + -ia
1. : benevolent feeling : kindly disposition to do good and promote the welfare of others : goodwill
we shook hands and I again glowed with benevolence to my fellow men — Richard Aldington
2. archaic : personal regard or affection
his dislike of application and control prevented his acquiring the benevolence of his superiors — James Mill
3. : an expression of benevolence:
a. : an act of kindness
b. : a generous gift
4. : a compulsory contribution or tax formerly levied by certain English kings with no other authority than the claim of prerogative