Meaning

noun East Indian annual erect herb; source of sesame seed or benniseed and sesame oil

noun United States comedian known for his timeing and delivery and self-effacing humor (1894-1974)

originUnknown or disputed. Attested from the late 19th century. Possibly from benjamin, slang from the early 19th century for a type of greatcoat. Possibly in reference to Uncle Benny or Uncle Ben (“a pawnbroker”), who might accept coats during the warm summer months, though the latter slang term does not appear to be attested before 1920.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0