Be*half" (?), n. [OE. on-behalve in the name of, bihalven by the side of, fr. AS. healf half, also side, part: akin to G. halb half, halber on account of. See Be-, and Half, n.]

Advantage; favor; stead; benefit; interest; profit; support; defense; vindication.

In behalf of his mistress's beauty. Sir P. Sidney.

Against whom he had contracted some prejudice in behalf of his nation. Clarendon.

In behalf of, in the interest of. -- On behalf of, on account of; on the part of.

 

© Webster 1913.