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Webster 1913 Edition


Benediction

Benˊe-dic′tion

,
Noun.
[L.
benedictio
: cf. F.
bénédiction
. See
Benison
.]
1.
The act of blessing.
2.
A blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness.
So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus
Followed with
benediction
.
Milton.
Homeward serenely she walked with God’s
benediction
upon her.
Longfellow.
Specifically:
The short prayer which closes public worship;
as, to give the
benediction
.
3.
(Eccl.)
The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop.
Ayliffe.
4.
(R. C. Ch.)
A solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally dedicated to God.

Webster 1828 Edition


Benediction

BENEDIC'TION

,
Noun.
[L. benedictio, from bene, well, and dictio, speaking. See Boon and Diction.]
1.
The act of blessing; a giving praise to God or rendering thanks for his favors; a blessing pronounced; hence grace before and after meals.
2.
Blessing, prayer, or kind wishes, uttered in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness; thanks; expression of gratitude.
3.
The advantage conferred by blessing.
4.
The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop.
5.
The external ceremony performed by a priest in the office of matrimony is called the nuptial benediction.
6.
In the Romish Church, an ecclesiastical ceremony by which a thing is rendered sacred or venerable.

Definition 2024


benediction

benediction

See also: bénédiction

English

Noun

benediction (plural benedictions)

  1. A short invocation for divine help, blessing and guidance, usually after a church worship service.
    • Milton
      So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus / Followed with benediction.
    • Longfellow
      Homeward serenely she walked with God's benediction upon her.
  2. The form of instituting an abbot, analogous to the consecration of a bishop.
    (Can we find and add a quotation of Ayliffe to this entry?)
  3. A Roman Catholic rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water and formally dedicated to God.

Antonyms

Translations