Definition: welfare

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Source: WordNet (r) 1.7 

welfare
     adj : of or relating to a welfare state [syn: welfarist, welfare,
            welfare-statist]
     n 1: governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in
          need [syn: social welfare]
     2: something that aids or promotes well-being: "for the common
        good" [syn: benefit]
     3: a contented state of being happy and healthy and prosperous;
        "the town was finally on the upbeat after our recent
        troubles" [syn: wellbeing, well-being, upbeat, eudaemonia,
         eudaimonia] [ant: ill-being]

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) 

Welfare \Wel"fare`\, n. [Well + fare to go, to proceed, to
   happen.]
   Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of
   health and the common blessings of life; exemption from any
   evil or calamity; prosperity; happiness.

         How to study for the people's welfare.   --Shak.

         In whose deep eyes Men read the welfare of the times to
         come.                                    --Emerson.