Benevolent sort (4)
I believe the answer is:
kind
I believe this is a double definition.
'benevolent' is the first definition.
(associated in meaning)
'sort' is the second definition.
(I know that sort can be written as kind)
(Other definitions for kind that I've seen before include "Loving; class" , "Sort of compassionate" , "Generous - type" , "Taking a plunge" , "Sympathetic" .)