Ben`e*fi"cial (&?;), a. [Cf. F. bénéficial, 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.

• Helpful or good to something or someone.