ben·e·fac·tor \ˈbenəˌfaktə(r), ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ sometimes ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ˌtȯ(ə)r or -ˌtȯ(ə)\noun (-s) Etymology: Late Latin, from Latin benefactus + -or : one that gives help or confers a benefit < a benefactor of mankind > specifically: one that makes a gift or bequest < his endowments … placed him high among the benefactors of the convent — Jane Austen >