n. The disposition to do good; the love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness; good will; kindness; charitableness.n. An act of kindness; good done; charity given.n. In England, an arbitrary contribution or tax illegally exacted in the guise of a gratuity to the sovereign, from the time of Edward IV., and forbidden by act of Parliament under William and Mary: sometimes used of similar exactions elsewhere.