{ } n. [ From Benedick, one of the characters in Shakespeare's play of “Much Ado about Nothing.” ] A married man, or a man newly married. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. benedictus, p. p. of benedicere to bless. See Benison, and cf. Bennet. ] Having mild and salubrious qualities. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to the monks of St. Benedict, or St. Benet. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a famous order of monks, established by St. Benedict of Nursia in the sixth century. This order was introduced into the United States in 1846. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ The Benedictines wear black clothing, and are sometimes called Black Monks. The name Black Fr&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;rs which belongs to the Dominicans, is also sometimes applied to the Benedictines. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. benedictio: cf. F. bénédiction. See Benison. ] 1. The act of blessing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness. [ 1913 Webster ]

So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus
Followed with benediction. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Homeward serenely she walked with God's benediction upon her. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ]

Specifically: The short prayer which closes public worship; as, to give the benediction. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Eccl.) The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop. Ayliffe. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (R. C. Ch.) A solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally dedicated to God. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A book of benedictions. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A collected series of benedictions. [ 1913 Webster ]

The benedictionary of Bishop Athelwold. G. Gurton's Needle. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Tending to bless. Gauden. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Expressing wishes for good; as, a benedictory prayer. Thackeray. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L., blessed. See Benedict, a. ] The song of Zacharias at the birth of John the Baptist (Luke i. 68); -- so named from the first word of the Latin version. [ 1913 Webster ]