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.
Quotation dates: 1420, 1490-1596
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Benevolence, n. Also: beneuolence, -uolens, -volens, beny-, benivolens, -volence. [ME. benevolence (Chaucer), OF. benivolence, L. benevolentia.]
1. Goodwill, kindliness, favour; desire to benefit another.c1420 Wynt. iii. 918 (the benyvolence off thys tyrand); c1420 Ib. vii. 1343. 1490 Irland Mir. I. 5/17 (be wisdome, wertu, and beneuolence). 1546 Lynd. Trag. Card. 125 (with supporte of sum Lordis beneuolens). a1578 Pitsc. I. 23/10 (the beneuolence of the haill nobillietie). 1596 Dalr. I. 75/26 (gret affectione and mutual beneuolence).
b. Liberality, generosity.1513 Edinb. B. Rec. I. 148.
Thai to be considerit for thair beneuolence into the taxt … for the said repayment 1558-66 Knox II. 298.
Unto that tyme, the most parte of the Ministeris had lyved upoun the benevolence of men
2. Free will or voluntary action.1533 Bell. I. 295/17.
Of his fre volunte & benevolence 1533 Ib. II. 9/27.
The pepill on thare awne benevolence removit c1550 Rolland Court of Venus ii. 647.
To clym past he with all beneuolence 1565 Peebles B. Rec. 299.
That the said master taik na hear waigis. … onle[s] it be of benevolence
3. Permission; free leave.1515 Reg. Privy S. I. 405/2.
Gevand the said bischop full licence and benevolence to remane at his saidis beneficis 1517 Ib. 451/2.
Ane Lettre … gevand him licence and benevolence to … present Schir Thomas Piot, chaplain, to the vicarage of Cluny
