Pro"fit (?), n. [F., fr. L.
profectus advance, progress, profit, fr. profectum. See
Proficient.] 1. Acquisition beyond
expenditure; excess of value received for producing, keeping, or
selling, over cost; hence, pecuniary gain in any transaction or
occupation; emolument; as, a profit on the sale of
goods.
Let no man anticipate uncertain
profits.
Rambler.
2. Accession of good; valuable results; useful
consequences; benefit; avail; gain; as, an office of
profit,
This I speak for your own profit.
1 Cor. vii. 35.
If you dare do yourself a profit and a
right.
Shak.
Syn. -- Benefit; avail; service; improvement; advancement;
gain; emolument.
Prof"it, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Profited; p. pr. & vb. n.
Profiting.] [F. profiter. See Profit,
n.] To be of service to; to be good to; to help
on; to benefit; to advantage; to avail; to aid; as, truth
profits all men.
The word preached did not profit
them.
Heb. iv. 2.
It is a great means of profiting yourself, to
copy diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs.
Dryden.
Prof"it, v. i. 1.
To gain advantage; to make improvement; to improve; to gain; to
advance.
I profit not by thy talk.
Shak.
2. To be of use or advantage; to do or bring
good.
Riches profit not in the day of
wrath.
Prov. xi. 4.
