munificent, a.
(mjuːˈnɪfɪsənt)
[f. L. mūnificent-, derivation-stem of mūnificus: see munific a.
Not in Fr.; the form was suggested by magnificent and the other words of similar ending, and by munificence.]
Of persons: Splendidly generous in gifts, bountiful. Of actions, gifts: Characterized by munificence.
| 1583 Hayes Gilbert's Voy. in Hakluyt (1589) 680 Imitating the nature of the munificent God. 1607 B. Jonson Volpone i. iii, You are too munificent. 1649 Alcoran 27 God promiseth to you his grace and mercie; he is munificent, and omniscient. 1682 Sir T. Browne Chr. Mor. i. §5 Think it not enough to be Liberal, but Munificent. 1765 Blackstone Comm. I. Introd. i. 27 Our munificent benefactor Mr. Viner. 1815 W. H. Ireland Scribbleomania 200 note, Chaucer, and his munificent friend and patron John of Gaunt. 1849 Macaulay Hist. Eng. vi. II. 78 Perhaps none of the munificent subscriptions of our own age has borne so great a proportion to the means of the nation. 1868 Milman St. Paul's xiii. 332 Laud..was munificent, almost magnificent. 1893 R. T. Jeffrey Visits to Calvary 147 A munificent marriage settlement has been made for you. |