welfare work

noun

1

: organized efforts by a community, organization, or individual for the social betterment and general improvement in the welfare of a group in society (as underprivileged or disabled persons)

2

: the provision of fringe benefits (as group insurance and pension plans, medical services, and educational and recreational activities) by a corporation as a labor policy especially during the first quarter of the 20th century

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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