behalf

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   as the agent of or on someone's part (usually expressed as 'on behalf of' rather than 'in behalf of')

   the guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child

2. 2
   noun

   for someone's benefit (usually expressed as `in behalf' rather than `on behalf' and usually with a possessive)

   in your behalf

3. 3
   noun

   The interest, benefit, or wellbeing of someone or something.

   The one exception to this was William Hilhouse, who was widely regarded as the colonist with the greatest experience of the interior and its native inhabitants, on whose behalf he endlessly campaigned.

4. 4
   noun

   One's role or rightful place; stead or authority.

   He was not only my Representative who died on my behalf; He was my Substitute who died in my very stead.

Etymology

From Middle English bihalve (“nearby”), from Old English bī healfe (“by [his/her] side”), from bī (“by”) + healfe (“side, half”), equivalent to be- + half.