\Be*nev"o*lence\, n. [OF. benevolence, L.
benevolentia. See {Benevolent}.]
1. The disposition to do good; good will; charitableness;
   love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote
   their happiness.
         The wakeful benevolence of the gospel. --Chalmers.
2. An act of kindness; good done; charity given.
3. A species of compulsory contribution or tax, which has
   sometimes been illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of
   England, and falsely represented as a gratuity.
Syn: {Benevolence}, {Beneficence}, {Munificence}.
Usage: Benevolence marks a disposition made up of a choice
       and desire for the happiness of others. Beneficence
       marks the working of this disposition in dispensing
       good on a somewhat broad scale. Munificence shows the
       same disposition, but acting on a still broader scale,
       in conferring gifts and favors. These are not
       necessarily confined to objects of immediate utility.
       One may show his munificence in presents of pictures
       or jewelry, but this would not be beneficence.
       Benevolence of heart; beneficence of life; munificence
       in the encouragement of letters.