| 释义 |
benefactor|bɛnɪˈfæktə(r)|
Also 5 -our.
[a. L. benefactor, f. benefacĕre: see benefit.]
1. One who renders aid or kindly service to others, a friendly helper; one who advances the interests of a cause or institution, a patron.
1532Tindale Expos. & Notes (1849) 71 It is not inough for thee to loue thy benefactors only. 1605Bacon Adv. Learn. i. vii. §5 There was not a greater admirer of learning or benefactor of learning. 1769Junius, Lett. xxxv. 159 They..have transferred their gratitude from their parents to their benefactors. 1848Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 362 The greatest of all the benefactors of his city.
2. esp. One who makes a benefaction to a charitable or religious institution; one who makes a bequest or endowment.
1494Fabyan vii. 480 Quene Philyp..the which was a great benefactour vnto the Chanons of Seynt Stephans Chapell at Westmynster. 1626Bacon New Atl. (1650) 33 These we call Dowry-men or Benefactors. 1752Johnson Rambl. No. 197 ⁋9, I was..inquiring the age of my future benefactors or considering how I should employ their legacies. 1851Longfellow Gold. Leg. 132 Whose tomb is that, Which bears the brass escutcheon? A benefactor's.
3. With reference to the etymology: a well-doer.
1603Shakes. Meas. for M. ii. i. 50 Well: What Benefactors are they? Are they not Malefactors? 1870J. Cameron Phases of Th. 160 Books are to us according as we deal with them—malefactors or benefactors. |