Benedicite

American  

[ben-i-dis-i-tee] / ˌbɛn ɪˈdɪs ɪ ti /

noun

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

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benedicite ¹ British  

/ ˌbɛnɪˈdaɪsɪtɪ /

noun

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

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interjection

1. obsolete an expression of surprise

Benedicite ² British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of Benedicite

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

Example Sentences

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

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.”

From Project Gutenberg

The cenobite gave him a grim smile, but merely added his benedicite and passed on.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dedication
• grace