benediction

Meanings

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).
2. In the Anglican church, the ceremony used to institute an abbot, analogous to the consecration of a bishop.
3. A Roman Catholic rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water and formally dedicated to God.
4. Help, good fortune or reward from God or another supernatural source.

Etymology

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