behoof

noun

be·​hoof bi-ˈhüf How to pronounce behoof (audio)
bē-
: advantage, profit
for his own behoof

Word History

Etymology

Middle English behof, from Old English behōf profit, need; akin to Old English hebban to raise — more at heave entry 1

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of behoof was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near behoof

Cite this Entry

“Behoof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/behoof. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

behoof

noun
be·​hoof bi-ˈhüf How to pronounce behoof (audio)
: advantage entry 1 sense 1, benefit
acted only for his own behoof
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!