Benediction

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Benediction \Ben`e*dic"tion\, n. [L. benedictio: cf. F.
     b['e]n['e]diction. See {Benison}.]
     1. The act of blessing.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus
              Followed with benediction.            --Milton.
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              Homeward serenely she walked with God's benediction
              upon her.                             --Longfellow.
        [1913 Webster] Specifically: The short prayer which closes
        public worship; as, to give the benediction.
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     3. (Eccl.) The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the
        consecration of a bishop. --Ayliffe.
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     4. (R. C. Ch.) A solemn rite by which bells, banners,
        candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally
        dedicated to God.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  benediction
       n 1: the act of praying for divine protection [syn: {blessing}]
       2: a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection [syn: {blessing}]

From Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0 [moby-thes]:

  25 Moby Thesaurus words for "benediction":
     OK, acknowledgment, advantage, approval, benedicite, benefit,
     benison, blessing, boon, cognizance, credit, crediting, favor,
     godsend, grace, hymn, invocation, paean, praise, prayer of thanks,
     recognition, thank offering, thank-you, thanks, thanksgiving