BEHALF

behalf

(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”; “this letter is written on behalf of my client”

behalf

(noun) for someone’s benefit (usually expressed as ‘in behalf’ rather than ‘on behalf’ and usually with a possessive); “in your behalf”; “campaigning in his own behalf”; “spoke a good word in his friend’s behalf”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

behalf (plural behalves or behalfs)

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

(when adopted by someone else) One's role or rightful place; stead or authority.

Source: Wiktionary

Be*half", n. Etym: [OE. on-behalve in the name of, bihalven by the side of, fr. AS. healf half, also side, part: akin to G. halb half, halber on account of. See Be-, and Half, n.]

Definition: Advantage; favor; stead; benefit; interest; profit; support; defense; vindication. In behalf of his mistress's beauty. Sir P. Sidney. Against whom he had contracted some prejudice in behalf of his nation. Clarendon. In behalf of, in the interest of.

– On behalf of, on account of; on the part of.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition