The doing a kind or helpful action towards another, under no obligation except an ethical one. Is no doubt distinguishable from the words “liberality” and “charity;” for, although many charitable institutions are very properly called “benevolent,” it is impossible to say that every object, of a man’s benevolence is also an object of his charity. James v. Allen, 3 Mer. 17; l’ell v. Mercer, 14 R. I. 443; Murdock v. Bridges, 91 Me. 124, 39 Atl. 475. In public law. Nominally a voluntary gratuity given by subjects to their king, but in reality a tax or forced loan.