Definition of: beneficiary

(ben′ə·fish′ē·er′ē, -fish′ər·ē) adjective
1. Pertaining to benefits or benevolence.
2. Of the nature of a charity or donation.
3. Held by feudal tenure or privilege.
—noun plural ·ar·ies
1. One who receives or uses a charitable provision or privilege.
2. The holder of a benefice or church living.
3. Law One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of an estate or property, the title to which is vested in another, as in a trustee.
4. The person to whom the amount of an insurance policy or annuity is payable. [<L beneficiarius <beneficium favor]