benefit society

noun

1. an association of persons to create a fund, either by dues or assessments, for the assistance of members and their families in case of sickness, death, etc.

benefit society

noun

1. a US term for friendly society

Word History and Origins

Origin of benefit society¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Philanthropy is great, and I support philanthropy and do a lot there, but actually I think the for-profit enterprises that have an intention of doing things that benefit society are driving a lot more progress than philanthropy by itself.

From Time

But even if providing Marnell with a platform does nothing to benefit society, maybe it benefits the woman herself.

From The Daily Beast

Miss Cotton belonged to a benefit society and through her own illness she had received an allowance of $5 a week.

From Project Gutenberg

You see, it is not only a trades union, it is a mutual benefit society.

From Project Gutenberg

They think that their benefit society should be fed and alimented by State subventions like that for public functionaries.

From Project Gutenberg

There's one at the Mechanics' Institute next week, given by the Unicorn benefit society.

From Project Gutenberg

Example is the means given universally to all whereby to benefit society.

From Project Gutenberg