/behalf-definition

/behalf-meaning-etymology

-) Noun.

-) Plural: behalves (obsolete).

-) Pronunciation and accent: bɪhɑːf. 

-) Etymology: from Middle English, from be “by” + HALF “side”.

-) It is dated from 1300.

-) Definition: side; part, interest, defense, respect (used only in prepositional phrases): 

-) 1. On behalf of: -) a. Obsolete and pristine meaning: on the side of. -) b. On the part of (another); as the agent of; for; instead of. (Implying that the action is done in name of some other person or persons). -) c. With regard or respect to (someone or something); as concerns.

 His wife disputed him on behalf of her sex, as women always do. 

"No, Dolly," he persisted; "she'd better be home milking the cows and leading the horse to water."

W. Howells… A Hazard of New Fortunes… 1889

He says, if he was boss of this town, he would seize the roads on behalf of the people.

W. Howells… A Hazard of New Fortunes… 1889

My pocketbook is empty and needs filling and, when that's done, I'll get back to my school children, on whose behalf I am out hunting.

R. Cullum… The Trail… 1910

-) Construed with a possessive adjective:

… it must be acknowledged on her behalf that she did enjoy that protection…

A. Trollope… The Last Chronicle of Barset… 1879

… she shall never lack a friend, ready to act on her behalf, while I am in the country.

R. Cullum… The Night Riders… 1906

-) Construed with a possessive case:

… always watchful on the child's behalf.

Dickens… Household Words… 1850’s

-) 2. In behalf of: -) a. Obsolete: in the name of. -) b. In the interest, or support of; for the benefit of; for; as a defender of.

She had interfered in behalf of Oliver.  

Dickens… Oliver Twist… 1838

The crowd accordingly drew aside, and the individual, in whose behalf the movement had been made immediately stepped forward.

W. Ainsworth… Jack Sheppard… 1839

 Ellen expressed the deepest gratitude to her friend for the kind interest thus manifested in behalf of herself and her husband.

G. Reynolds… The mysteries of London… 1844

… Banning, at his own expense, made trips to Washington in behalf of the project.

H. Newmark… Sixty Years… 1916

-) Construed with a possessive adjective:

Much sympathy was now exercised in my behalf — and as no one in the city appeared to identify my body, it was ordered that I should be interred in the public sepulchre early in the following morning.

Poe… Tales of the Grotesque… 1840

-) Construed with a possessive case:

She has exerted herself so warmly in the child's behalf from the first, […] that it would really be agreeable to me to notice her.

Dickens… Dombey and son… 1848

-) 3. In this behalf or in that behalf: (archaic) in respect of, in regard to, in reference to this or that.  

By comparing dates, I ascertained that he would be in time to meet the mortgage sale, and felt no further concern in that behalf.

J. Cooper… Miles Wallingford… 1844

I may yet do some good in this behalf before I die. I must marry soon, if ever.

W. Simms… Katharine… 1851