Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Benign

Benign ({not transcribed}) , adjective

[Old English benigne, bening, Old French benigne, French bénin, fem. bénigne, from Latin benignus, contr. from benigenus; bonus good + root of genus kind. See Bounty, and Genus.]

1.
Of a kind or gentle disposition; gracious; generous; favorable; benignant.
Creator bounteous and benign. — Milton
2.
Exhibiting or manifesting kindness, gentleness, favor, etc.; mild; kindly; salutary; wholesome.
Kind influences and benign aspects. — South
3.
Of a mild type or character; as, a benign disease.