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.
