Bĕn'e-dĭc'tion, n.

n. [Fr. bénédiction, Lat. benedictio.]

1. The act of blessing.
2. Blessing, prayer, or kind wishes uttered in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness; thanks; expression of gratitude; specifically, the short prayer which closes public worship; as, to give the benediction.

*So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus Followed with benediction.* Milton. Homeward she walked with God's benediction upon her. Longfellow. 3. (Eccl.) The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop. Ayliffe.