Benediction

benediction
    n 1: the act of praying for divine protection [syn: {blessing},
         {benediction}]
    2: a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection [syn:
       {benediction}, {blessing}]
    

Benediction \Ben`e*dic"tion\, n. [L. benedictio: cf. F.
   b['e]n['e]diction. See {Benison}.]
   1. The act of blessing.
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   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.
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            So saying, he arose; whom Adam thus
            Followed with benediction.            --Milton.
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            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.
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   3. (Eccl.) The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the
      consecration of a bishop. --Ayliffe.
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   4. (R. C. Ch.) A solemn rite by which bells, banners,
      candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally
      dedicated to God.
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25 Moby Thesaurus words for "benediction":
      OK, acknowledgment, advantage, approval, benedicite, benefit,
      benison, blessing, boon, cognizance, credit, crediting, favor,
      godsend, grace, hymn, invocation, paean, praise, prayer of thanks,
      recognition, thank offering, thank-you, thanks, thanksgiving