Definition of "benevolences" [benevolences]

• Plural form of benevolence. (noun)

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• "Edward has made Parliament give him large sums of money: he is going round the country getting what he calls benevolences from the people."
• "Henry was justified in appealing to his subjects for every penny that could be raised, and resorted to "benevolences" -- an insidious method of extortion which had been declared illegal in the previous reign, but under the existing abnormal conditions could hardly be resisted."
• "After the dissolution of his second Parliament Charles endeavored to raise the money he needed to carry on the government, by means of "benevolences" and forced loans."