E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Ben (a theatrical word).
Benefit. “A big ben,” a good or bumping benefit.
1
Big Ben of Westminster. A name given to the large bell, which weighs 13 tons 10 cwt., and is named after Sir Benjamin Hall, the Chief Commissioner of Works when the bell was cast. (1856.)
