— benignancy /bi nig"neuhn see/ , n. — benignantly , adv.
/bi nig"neuhnt/ , adj.
1. kind, esp. to inferiors; gracious: a benignant sovereign.
2. exerting a good influence; beneficial: the benignant authority of the new president.
3. Pathol. benign.
[ 1775-85; BENIGN + -ANT, modeled on MALIGNANT ]
Syn. 1. benevolent, benign, generous, charitable.