Pro"fit (?), n. [F., fr. L. profectus advance, progress, profit, fr. profectum. See Proficient.]
1.
Acquisition beyond expenditure; excess of value received for producing, keeping, or selling, over cost; hence, pecuniary gain in any transaction or occupation; emolument; as, a profit on the sale of goods.
Let no man anticipate uncertain profits.
Rambler.
2.
Accession of good; valuable results; useful consequences; benefit; avail; gain; as, an office of profit,
This I speak for your own profit.
1 Cor. vii. 35.
If you dare do yourself a profit and a right.
Shak.
Syn. -- Benefit; avail; service; improvement; advancement; gain; emolument.
© Webster 1913.
Prof"it, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Profited; p. pr. & vb. n. Profiting.] [F. profiter. See Profit, n.]
To be of service to; to be good to; to help on; to benefit; to advantage; to avail; to aid; as, truth profits all men.
The word preached did not profit them.
Heb. iv. 2.
It is a great means of profiting yourself, to copy diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs.
Dryden.
© Webster 1913.
Prof"it, v. i.
1.
To gain advantage; to make improvement; to improve; to gain; to advance.
I profit not by thy talk.
Shak.
2.
To be of use or advantage; to do or bring good.
Riches profit not in the day of wrath.
Prov. xi. 4.
© Webster 1913.