Definition of benediction

< Benedictine

Benedict of Nursia, Saint >

ben·e·dic·tion    (bn-dkshn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A blessing.
2. An invocation of divine blessing, usually at the end of a church service.
3. often Benediction Roman Catholic Church A short service consisting of prayers, the singing of a Eucharistic hymn, and the blessing of the congregation with the host.
4. An expression of good wishes.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English benediccioun, from Old French benedicion, from Latin benedicti, benedictin-, from benedictus, past participle of benedcere, to bless : bene, well; see deu-² in Indo-European roots + dcere, to speak; see deik- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
bene·dictive or bene·dicto·ry  (-dkt-r) KEY (Adjective)