Ben`e*fi"cial (?), a. [Cf. F. b'en'eficial, LL. beneficialis.]
1.
Conferring benefits; useful; profitable; helpful; advantageous; serviceable; contributing to a valuable end; -- followed by to.
The war which would have been most beneficial to us.
Swift.
2. Law
Receiving, or entitled to have or receive, advantage, use, or benefit; as, the beneficial owner of an estate.
Kent.
3.
King.
[Obs.] "A
beneficial foe."
B. Jonson.
Syn. -- See Advantage.
© Webster 1913.