a. [f. Fr. altruiste (adj. f. altruisme) + -IC. Earlier than ALTRUIST.] Of or pertaining to altruism; actuated by regard for the well-being of others; benevolent.
1853. Lewes, Comte’s Philos. Sc., I. xxi. 221. The noble termination of the emotional series by the group of social or altruistic instincts.
1862. Hinton, Lett., in Life (1878), 194. The word altruistic I borrow from Comte. Is it not a capital word? I am resolved to naturalise it.
1873. H. Spencer, in Contemp. Rev., Feb. Up to a certain point altruistic action blesses giver and receiver, beyond that point it curses giver and receiver.
