Akademik

ben·e·fit n

1: something that provides an advantage or gain; specif: an enhancement of property value, enjoyment of facilities, or increase in general prosperity arising from a public improvement

general benefit: a benefit to the community at large resulting from a public improvement

special benefit: a benefit from a public improvement that directly enhances the value of particular property and is not shared by the community at large

◇ In proceedings for a partial taking for the purpose of a public improvement, the condemning authority may use a special benefit to the remaining land as a set-off against the landowner's damages for the taking.

2 in the civil law of Louisiana: a right esp. that serves to limit a person's liability

benefit of dis·cus·sion: the right of a surety being sued to compel the suing creditor to sue the principal first

benefit of di·vi·sion: the right of a surety being sued to compel the suing creditor to also sue the cosureties; also: the right of the surety to be liable only for his or her proportionate share of the debt

benefit of inventory: the right of an heir to be held liable for the debts of the estate only to the extent of the assets in the estate

◇ The heir obtains the benefit of inventory by having a qualified public officer (as a notary public) make an inventory of the assets in the estate within the time period set by statute.

3 a: financial help in time of disability, sickness, old age, or unemployment

b: payment or service provided for under an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy see also death benefit

c: fringe benefit

benefit vb