Wel"fare` (?), n. [Well + fare to go, to proceed, to happen.]
Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of health and
the common blessings of life; exemption from any evil or calamity;
prosperity; happiness.
How to study for the people's welfare.
Shak.
In whose deep eyes Men read the welfare of the times to come.
Emerson.
Wel"far`ing, a. Faring well; prosperous; thriving. [Obs.] "A welfaring
person." Chaucer.
Welk (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Welked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Welking.]
[OE. welken; cf. D. & G. welken to wither, G. welk withered, OHG. welc
moist. See Welkin, and cf. Wilt.] To wither; to fade; also, to decay;
to decline; to wane. [Obs.]
When ruddy Ph&?;bus 'gins to welk in west.
Spenser.
The church, that before by insensible degrees welked and impaired, now
with large steps went down hill decaying.
Milton.
Welk, v. t.