1. The act of giving gratuitously; a conferring.
This word, which is much used by our theological writers, is not in the English dictionaries.
God the Father had committed the bestowment of the blessings purchased, to his Son.--Edwards on Redemption.
If we consider the bestowment of gifts in this view.--Chauncey, U. Lab.
2. That which is conferred or given.--Webster.
They strengthened his hands by their liberal bestowments on him and his family.--Christian Magazine, iii. 665.
The free and munificent bestowment of the Sovereign Judge.--Thodey.
Mr. Todd has bestowal in his edition of Johnson, but cites no authority for its use. Dr. Webster thinks bestowment preferable on account of the concurrence of the two vowels in bestowal.