beneˈficially, adv.
[f. prec. + -ly2.]
In a beneficial manner.
† 1. Beneficently, liberally, bountifully. Obs.
| 1530–1 Act 22 Hen. VIII, xv, His said free pardon..shall be..taken..most beneficially..to all..his sayed subiectes. 1609 R. Cawdray in Spurgeon Treas. Dav. Ps. xix. 1–4 As the sun with his light beneficially comforteth all the world. 1611 Cotgr., Liberalement, bountifully; beneficially, with an open hand. |
2. Advantageously, profitably, helpfully.
| 1531 Act 23 Hen. VIII, x. §3 This estatute shalbe alweys expounded as beneficially as may be to the destruccion and utter avoyding of such use, intentes and purposes. c 1771 Mason in Johnson Gray Wks. (1787) IV. 300 To others, at least innocently employed; to himself, certainly beneficially. 1878 Seeley Stein III. 529 France..has influenced it [the Greek cause] at once benevolently and beneficially. |
3. Law. In the way of a beneficial owner or interest. Cf. beneficial A. 3.
| 1788 J. Powell Devises (1827) II. 249 The person beneficially entitled for life. 1875 Poste Gaius iii. (ed. 2) 430 Both the agent and the principal are beneficially interested. 1885 Law Times Rep. LII. 650/1 The various persons beneficially entitled under W. Plowright's will. |