benediction

[ ben-i-dik-shuh n ]
/ ˌbɛn ɪˈdɪk ʃən /

noun

an utterance of good wishes.
the form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, as at the close of divine service.
a ceremony by which things are set aside for sacred uses, as a church, vestments, or bells.
(usually initial capital letter) Also called Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. a service consisting of prayers, at least one prescribed hymn, censing of the congregation and the Host, and a blessing of the congregation by moving in the form of a cross the ciborium or monstrance containing the Host.
the advantage conferred by blessing; a mercy or benefit.

Origin of benediction

1400–50; late Middle English (< Middle French) < Latin benedictiōn- (stem of benedictiō). See Benedictus, -ion

OTHER WORDS FROM benediction

pre·ben·e·dic·tion, noun

Example sentences from the Web for benediction

British Dictionary definitions for benediction

benediction
/ (ˌbɛnɪˈdɪkʃən) /

noun

an invocation of divine blessing, esp at the end of a Christian religious ceremony
a Roman Catholic service in which the congregation is blessed with the sacrament
the state of being blessed

Derived forms of benediction

benedictory, adjective

Word Origin for benediction

C15: from Latin benedictio, from benedīcere to bless; see benedicite