Benediction
[,benɪ'dɪkʃ(ə)n] or ['bɛnə'dɪkʃən]
Definition
(n.) The act of blessing.
(n.) A blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness.
(n.) The short prayer which closes public worship; as, to give the benediction.
(n.) The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop.
(n.) A solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally dedicated to God.
Checked by Kathy
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Blessing, benison, invocation of happiness.
Edited by Adela
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Blessing, commendation, approval, benison, gratitude, thankfulness,thanksgiving
ANT:Curse, malediction, disapproval, censure, obloquy, execration, ingratitude
Checked by Adelaide
Definition
n. a solemn invocation of the divine blessing on men or things—a priestly benediction is defined by Romanists as a formula of imperative prayer which transmits a certain grace or virtue to the object over which it is pronounced: a brief and popular service in the Romish Church consisting of certain canticles and antiphons sung in presence of the host and concluding with the priest making the sign of the cross over the people with the monstrance and giving in silence the benediction of the most holy sacrament.—adj. Benedict′ory.—n. Benedict′us the canticle of Zacharias (Luke i. 68-79) used in the Roman service of matin-lauds and occurring after the second lesson in Anglican matins.—p.adj. Benedight′ (Longfellow) blessed.—Apostolic benediction that given in 2 Cor. xiii. 14.
Edited by Laurence
Unserious Contents or Definition
Their children.
Checked by Jocelyn
Examples
- And, with this pathetic benediction, the assembly dispersed. Harriet Beecher Stowe. Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- A minister pronounced the benediction, and the patriotic little gathering disbanded. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- And Mrs. Sedley tossed out of the room, hissing out the word poison once more, and so ending her charitable benediction. William Makepeace Thackeray. Vanity Fair.
- With that parting benediction the baronet turned about and walked back to the library. Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White.
- The sermon found an end; the benediction was pronounced; the congregation dispersed. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
Checker: Noelle