behalf — English Dictionary

Noun

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

   Examples

   She appeared on behalf of the U.N. Secretary General at a conference held in behalf of the world's children.

   More examples (2)

   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.

   The NUL, on the other hand, never felt that its position among civil rights organizations was threatened, and considered itself unique because of its historic commitment to advocacy on behalf of low-income African Americans.

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

   Examples

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

   More examples (3)

   Which indeed is so true, that she herself may seek back for her own gain the dowry offered by another on her behalf, unless by chance he who offered it immediately (that is, at the time of offering or of promising) stipulated or made an agreement that the afore-mentioned dowry would be returned to him.

   The Agent shall have all of the powers, rights, discretions, elections, and authority conferred by statute, the common law, or rule of court or governmental agency that are reasonably necessary for the Agent to act on my behalf for any purpose.

   Hillary Clinton hasn’t hit the campaign trail yet on behalf of Democrats running in 2018, but that isn’t stopping Republicans from using the former 2016 Democratic presidential nominee as a reliable campaign boogeyman.

Noun

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

   Broader terms

   steadpositionplacelieu

   Examples

   the guardian signed the contract on behalf of the minor child

   this letter is written on behalf of my client

2. for someone's benefit (usually expressed as ‘in behalf’ rather than ‘on behalf’ and usually with a possessive)

   Broader terms

   sakeinterest

   Examples

   in your behalf

   campaigning in his own behalf

   More examples (1)

   spoke a good word in his friend's behalf