Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1937 (DOST Vol. I).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Benefite, Benefit, n. Also: benefeit, -fiet, bennifiet; benefitt, benifit, -fite. [e.m.E. benefit(te, benefette, ME. benefytt, -fet, earlier ben-, bienfet, -fait, -fayt, AF. benfet, OF. bienfait, L. benefactum.]

1. A benefit.‘Benefite of absolucioun’ in 1466 Acta Aud. 4/2 should probably be ‘benefice’. 1560 Bk. Disc. 233.
The benifittis quhilk we resave by Jesus Christ 1563-1570 Buch. Wr. 36.
He will multiply his benefites to yow a1578 Pitsc. I. 105/26.
To amend … is ane great benifeit of god 1596 Dalr. I. 26/17.
As sche war destitute of benifite of her wings 1626 Garden Worthies 113.
Bless God & for that benefeit be blithe 1637 St. A. Baxter Bks. 103.
For the weill and benefiet of the craft

2. Kindness, beneficence. 1609 Skene Reg. Maj. 23.
He sall be made frie be the Kings benefite and decreit

3. An ecclesiastical benefice. 1570 Leslie 37.
That no Inglishman suld haif benefite within the realme of Scotland