from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Profit \Prof"it\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Profited}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Profiting}.] [F. profiter. See {Profit}, n.]
To be of service to; to be good to; to help on; to benefit;
to advantage; to avail; to aid; as, truth profits all men.
[1913 Webster]
The word preached did not profit them. --Heb. iv. 2.
[1913 Webster]
It is a great means of profiting yourself, to copy
diligently excellent pieces and beautiful designs.
--Dryden.
[1913 Webster]