benefit society

American  

noun

1. an association of persons to create a fund, either by dues or assessments, for the assistance of members and their families in case of sickness, death, etc.

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benefit society British  

noun

1. a US term for friendly society

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Etymology

Origin of benefit society

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Craig Hamnett, who chairs the Wigtown Community Inn community benefit society, said it was a relief not to lose the centuries-old hostelry.

From BBC

“Unfortunately, for individuals such as myself and my family, the way the research contribution was portrayed is that it would benefit society as a whole,” she said.

From Salon

In general, he said, the aim was to encourage science that would benefit society.

From Salon

The best way to do that is to implement policies that provide “public goods” that benefit society in general, in contrast to private goods that go to only a few people in particular.

From Salon

You can’t really anticipate how technologies might benefit society without any input from people in society.

From Salon