Benedicite

[ben-i-dis-i-tee]

noun

1. Ecclesiastical.,  the canticle beginning in Latin Benedicite, omnia opera Domini, and in English “O all ye works of the Lord.”

benedicite

¹

/ ˌbɛnɪˈdaɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. (esp in Christian religious orders) a blessing or grace

interjection

1. obsolete,  an expression of surprise

Benedicite

²

/ ˌbɛnɪˈdaɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. Christianity a canticle that originated as part of the Song of the Three Holy Children in the secondary addition to the Book of Daniel, beginning Benedicite omnia opera Domini Domino in Latin, and O all ye Works of the Lord in English

Word History and Origins

Origin of Benedicite¹

1150–1200; Middle English < Latin, imperative 2nd person plural of benedīcere ( bene bene- + dīcere to speak)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Benedicite¹

C13: from Latin, from benedīcere , from bene well + dīcere to speak

Example Sentences

“Benedicite,” whispered the friar in blessing, and closed the door.

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The Abbess says to the child “Sister Margaret, ... if Sister Gertrude come to thee again, say to her: Benedicite, and if she reply to thee, Dominus, ask her whence she comes and what she seeks.”

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Having arranged the sisters in seemly order Busch and brother John Bodiker began to intone Benedicite, after the fashion of reformed religious; but the nuns, who had not been accustomed to singing the Benedicite at table, all burst out laughing, instead of following.

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Santa benedicite, Pardon my simplicity Fie, Alice, confession Will not salve this transgression.

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"To be sure it is!" replied the questor, who approved the doctrine highly; and thereupon he filled Woodville's can again, with a "Benedicite, noble sir."

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Related Words

• dedication 
• grace