benediction

noun

Etymology: From Middle English benediccion, from Ecclesiastical Latin benedictio, benedictionis, from benedictus (“blessed; well spoken of”). Doublet of benison.

1. A short invocation for help, blessing and guidance from God, said on behalf of another person or persons (sometimes at the end of a church worship service).

   “to pronounce / give / say the benediction”

   “the nuptial benediction”

2. In the Anglican church, the ceremony used to institute an abbot, analogous to the consecration of a bishop.

   “What Consecration is to a Bishop, that Benediction is to an Abbot; but in a different way: For a Bishop is not properly such till Consecration; but an Abbot being elected and confirm’d, is properly such before Benediction.”

3. A Roman Catholic rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water and formally dedicated to God.

   “[He] later liked to attend benediction in the chapel at Brideshead and see the ladies of the family with their necks arched in devotion under their black lace mantillas; [...]”

4. Help, good fortune or reward from God or another supernatural source.

   “[…] they throng who should buy first, as if my trinkets had been hallowed and brought a benediction to the buyer:”

   “Homeward serenely she walked with God’s benediction upon her.”