common good

American  

noun

1. the advantage or benefit of all people in society or in a group.

   In spite of our differences, we shall work for the common good.

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common good British  

noun

1. the part of the property of a Scottish burgh, in the form of land or funds, that is at the disposal of the community

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Etymology

Origin of common good

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Secondly, that amongst these creatures, the Common good differeth not from the Private; and being by nature enclined to their private, they procure thereby the common benefit.

From Leviathan by Hobbes, Thomas

Common good, or what was supposed to be common good, was the master here as it is everywhere!

From 1492 by Johnston, Mary