Benev'olus, in Cowper's Task, is John Courtney Throckmorton, of Weston Underwood.
Benjamin Penguillan. The Pioneers, by J. F. Cooper. A servant in the family of Judge Temple. His sobriquet is "Ben Pump." (1823.)
Benjie (Little), or Benjamin Colthred, a spy employed by Cristal Nixon, the agent of Redgauntlet.—Sir W. Scott, Redgauntlet (time, George III.).
Ben'net (Brother), a monk at St. Mary's convent.—Sir W. Scott, The Monastery (time, Elizabeth).
Ben'net (Mrs.), a demure, intriguing woman in Amelia, a novel by Fielding (1751).
Ben'oiton (Madame), a woman who has been the ruin of the family by neglect. In the "famille Benoiton" the constant question was "Où est Madame?" and the invariable answer "Elle est sortie" At the dénouement the question was asked again, and the answer was varied thus, "Madam has been at home, but is gone out again."—La Famille Benoiton.
Ben'shee, the domestic spirit or demon of certain Irish families. The benshee takes an interest in the prosperity of the family to which it is attached, and intimates to it approaching disaster or death by wailings or shrieks. The Scotch Bodach Glay or "grey spectre" is a similar spirit. Same as Banshee (which see).
How oft has the Benshee cried!
How oft has death untied
Bright links that glory wove,