euergetism

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Ancient Greek εὐεργετέω (euergetéō, “to do good”) +‎ -ism.

Noun

euergetism (usually uncountable, plural euergetisms)

  1. (historical) The practice of the ancient Greek and Roman elite of distributing a part of their wealth to the community; public benefaction.
    • 1998, The Cambridge Ancient History, Vol. 13: The Late Empire, p. 330
      Euergetism, as traditionally practised, might take the form of the construction of public buildings, the provision of public pleasures, the entertainment of the populace in circus or arena, or the provision of food in times of dearth...

Translations

See also

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