n. 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. [Middle English benediccioun, from Old French benedicion, from Latin benedictiō, benedictiōn-, from benedictus, past participle of benedīcere, to bless : bene, well; see deu-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + dīcere, to speak; see deik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] ben′e·dictive, ben′e·dicto·ry (-dĭktə-rē) adj. |
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