Obs. Also 6 well fare, 7 wellfare. [f. as prec. Cf. FAREWELL.] The optative phrase well fare (you, it, etc.), used either as a genuine expression of good wishes (= ‘May it go well with,’ ‘good luck to’) or employed ironically.
1534. More, Comf. agst. Trib., III. Wks. 1214/2. Welfare your hert, good Uncle, for this good counsell of yours.
1589. R. Harvey, Pl. Perc., 2. Well fare London yet, for a policie besides water … pull down the houses burning.
1590. Spenser, F. Q., III. iii. 42. But thine my Deare (welfare thy heart my deare).
1612. T. James, Corrupt. Script., III. 35. Yet welfare another learned Iesuit that had beene at Rome.
1625. Burges, Pers. Tithes, 32. Now welfare Brownist.
1672. S. Parker, Pref. to Bramhall’s Vind., a 2. Well fare poor Macedo for a modest Fool!
b. Used as sb. with a.
1642. Sir E. Dering, Sp. Relig., 1. A well-fare to my Reader if he be either of birth or breeding: A farewell to the rest.
