Munificence, n.
Etymology: [L. munificentia: cf. F. munificence.]
The quality or state of being munificent; a giving or bestowing with extraordinary liberality; generous bounty; lavish generosity. The virtues of liberality and munificence. Addison.
Syn. -- Benevolence; beneficence; liberality; generosity; bounty; bounteousness. See Benevolence.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Munificence, n.
Means of defense; fortification. [Obs.] Spenser.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for munificence; he lists it under benevolence.
Where he writes about it:
Bounty applies to ample giving, which on a larger scale is expressed by munificence. — from benevolence
We speak of the bounty of a generous host, the liberality or munificence of the founder of a college, or of the liberality of a theologian toward the holders of conflicting beliefs. — from benevolence