BENEV'OLENCE, n. L. benevolentia, of bene, well and volo, to will or wish. See Will.
1. 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." 1 John 4 .
2. An act of kindness good done charity given.
3. A species of contribution or tax illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of England.