noun

1. a blessing
2. an invocation of divine blessing, esp. at the end of a religious service
3. blessedness
4. R.C.Ch. a devotional service during which a consecrated Host is exposed in a monstrance and a solemn blessing is given with the Host

Etymology: ME benediccioun < LL(Ec) benedictio < benedicere, to bless < L, to commend < bene, well + dicere, to speak: see diction