The disposition to do good; good will; kindness; charitableness; the love, of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness. The benevolence of God is one of his moral attributes; that attribute which delights in the happiness of intelligent beings. “God is love.” John 4:8, 16.

An act of kindness; good done; charity given.

A species of contribution or tax illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of England.