1150–1200; Middle English < Latin, imperative 2nd person plural of benedīcere ( bene bene- + dīcere to speak)
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It is a combination of the six "Days" of Creation with the Benedicite omnia opera as a hymn of praise from created nature.
From Bell's Cathedrals: Southwark Cathedral Formerly the Collegiate Church of St. Saviour, Otherwise St. Mary Overie. A Short History and Description of the Fabric, with Some Account of the College and the See by Worley, George
The old knight placed her hand in his, and the King said "Benedicite."
From Agincourt The Works of G. P. R. James, Volume XX by James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford)
Benedicite is taken from the Apocryphal Book of "The Song of the Three Children" and has been used from very ancient times as a hymn in Christian Worship.
From The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia by Miller, William James
The two lower panels represent labourers going to their work singing Benedicite, and a priest and choristers chanting Nunc Dimittis, in allusion to Ken's morning and evening hymns.
From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Wells A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Episcopal See by Dearmer, Percy
‘While Father Fontesecco is in the first stage of beatitude, chanting through his nose the Benedicite, I will attempt,’ said Guiberto, ‘to comfort Monna Tita.’
From Imaginary Conversations and Poems A Selection by Landor, Walter Savage
He heard the supper gong sounding: he knew his way to the door well enough; he entered the familiar hall with a benedicite, and without any more words took his place.
From Burlesques by Thackeray, William Makepeace
Whilst Padre Guarini recited the benedicite, the Prince and Princess stood with piously clasped hands, the servants waiting.
From Count Br?hl by Kraszewski, Jo?zef Ignacy
Who will place A veil between me and the fierce in-throng Of her inexorable benedicite?
From Gloucester Moors and Other Poems by Moody, William Vaughn
The benedicite of the Druid woods, always appreciated by the few, like Lowell, is coming to be understood by the many.
From Some Winter Days in Iowa by Lazell, Frederick John
I welcome this solemn old brotherhood, which stand gray-bearded, like monks, old, dark, solemn, sighing a certain mournful sound—like a benedicite through the leaves.
From Sunny Memories of Foreign Lands, Volume 2 by Stowe, Harriet Beecher
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
