philanthropy
(fɪˈlænθrəpɪ)
Also 7 in L. form philanˈthropia.
[ad. late L. philanthrōpia (in earlier Eng. use), a. Gr. ϕιλανθρωπία love to mankind, f. ϕιλάνθρωπος: see philanthrope. So F. philanthropie (1567 in Hatz.-Darm.).]
Love to mankind; practical benevolence towards men in general; the disposition or active effort to promote the happiness and well-being of one's fellow-men.
| α [1607–12 Bacon Ess., Goodness (Arb.) 198 The affecting of the Weale of Men: which is that the Græcians call Philanthropia.] 1608 Topsell Serpents (1658) 781, I should first begin with the commendation of their..Philanthropia. 1678 Yng. Man's Call. 133 That orient pearl, that Cyrus in his time so highly delighted in..to attain the study of a due philanthropia (for that was his own very word) toward all. |
| β 1623 Cockeram, Phylanthropie, Humanitie. c 1650 Jer. Taylor Serm., Matt. v. 20 Wks. 1831 III. 255 That godlike excellency, a philanthropy and love to all mankind. 1693 Dryden Charac. Polybius in Shears Polyb. I. B v b, This Philanthropy (which we have not a proper word in English to express) is every where manifest in our Author. 1704 J. Harris Lex. Techn. I, Philanthropy, is a generous Love for Mankind in General, or an Inclination to promote Publick Good. 1749 Fielding Tom Jones vi. i, In friend⁓ship, in parental and filial affection, and indeed in general philanthropy, there is a great and exquisite delight. 1827 Lytton Falkland i. 26 While I felt aversion for the few whom I knew, I glowed with philanthropy for the crowd which I knew not. 1849 R. I. Wilberforce Holy Bapt. (1850) 23 He first taught the lessons of universal Philanthropy. |
† b. spec. The love of God to man. Obs.
[Cf. Titus iii. 4 ἡ χρηστότης καὶ ἡ ϕιλανθρωπία..τοῦ σωτῆρος ἡµῶν θεοῦ, 1611 The kindenesse and loue of God our Sauiour toward man.]
| 1631 R. H. Arraignm. Whole Creature i. 4 His Philanthropie and good will to Man, which our Sauiour Christ especially manifested. 1643 Trapp Comm. Gen. xvi. 10 He is oft (out of his meer Philanthropie) found of them that sought him not. a 1711 Ken Hymnarium Poet. Wks. 1721 II. 112 The blessed Three..In co-immense Philanthropy conspire. |
c. pl. Philanthropic actions, movements, or agencies.
| 1884 R. R. Bowker in Harper's Mag. Apr. 776/1 To be..the head of a great hospital and many philanthropies, demands..devotion. 1890 Spectator 24 May, Tedious toil in connection with all manner of philanthropies. |