/beuh nev"euh leuhns/ , n.
1. desire to do good to others; goodwill; charitableness: to be filled with benevolence toward one's fellow creatures.
2. an act of kindness; a charitable gift.
3. Eng. Hist. a forced contribution to the sovereign.
[ 1350-1400; ME benevolentia. See BENEVOLENT, -ENCE ]
Ant. 1. malevolence.