erosity_ is
self-forgetful _kindness_ in disposition or action; it includes much
besides giving; as, the _generosity_ of forgiveness. _Bounty_ applies to
ample giving, which on a larger scale is expressed by _munificence_.
_Liberality_ indicates broad, genial kindly views, whether manifested in
gifts or otherwise. We speak of the _bounty_ of a generous host, the
_liberality_ or _munificence_ of the founder of a college, or of the
_liberality_ of a theologian toward the holders of conflicting beliefs.
_Philanthropy_ applies to wide schemes for human welfare, often, but not
always, involving large expenditures in _charity_ or _benevolence_.
Compare MERCY.

Antonyms:

barbarity, greediness, ill-will, malignity, self-seeking,
brutality, harshness, inhumanity, niggardliness, stinginess,
churlishness, illiberality, malevolence, selfishness, unkindness.

Prepositions:

Benevolence _of_, _on the part of_, or _from_ the wealthy, _to_ or
_toward_ the poor.

* * * * *

BIND.

Synonyms:

compel, fetter, oblige, restrict, shackle,
engage, fix, restrain, secure, tie.
fasten,

_Binding_ is primarily by something flexible, as a cord or bandage drawn
closely around an object or group of objects, as when we _bind_ up a
wounded limb. We _bind_ a sheaf of wheat with a cord; we _tie_ the cord
in a knot; we _fasten_ by any means that will make things hold together,
as a board by nails, or a door by a lock. The verbs _tie_ and _fasten_
are scarcely used in the figurative sense, tho, using the noun, we speak
of the _ties_ of affection. _Bind_ has an extensive figurative use. One
is _bound_ by conscience or honor; he is _obliged_ by some imperious
necessity; _engaged_ by his own promise; _compelled_ by physical force
or its moral equivalent.

Antonyms:

free, loose, set free, unbind, unfasten, unloose, untie.

Prepositions:

Bind _to_ a pillar; _unto_ an altar; _to_ a service; bind one _with_
chains or _in_ chains; one is bound _by_ a contract; a splint is bound
_upon_ a limb; the arms may be bound _to_ the sides or _behind_ the
back; bind a wreath _about_, _around_, or _round_ the head; twigs are
bound _in_ or _into_ fagots; for military purposes, they are bound _at_
both ends and _in_ the middle; one is bound _by_ a contract, or bound
_under_ a penalty to fulfil a contract.

* * * * *

BIT