/ben'i dik"sheuhn/ , n.
1. an utterance of good wishes.
2. the form of blessing pronounced by an officiating minister, as at the close of divine service.
3. a ceremony by which things are set aside for sacred uses, as a church, vestments, or bells.
4. ( usually cap. ) Also called Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament . a service consisting of prayers, at least one prescribed hymn, censing of the congregation and the Host, and a blessing of the congregation by moving in the form of a cross the ciborium or monstrance containing the Host.
5. the advantage conferred by blessing; a mercy or benefit.
[ 1400-50; late ME ( benediction- (s. of benedictio ). See BENEDICTUS, -ION ]