Beneficial \Ben`e*fi"cial\, a. [Cf. F. b['e]n['e]ficial, LL. beneficialis.]

1. Conferring benefits; useful; profitable; helpful; advantageous; serviceable; contributing to a valuable end; -- followed by to.

The war which would have been most beneficial to us. --Swift.

2. (Law) Receiving, or entitled to have or receive, advantage, use, or benefit; as, the beneficial owner of an estate. --Kent.

3. King. [Obs.]

``A beneficial foe.'' --B. Jonson.

Syn: See Advantage.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)