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

When he came to table, Fandor noticed that he forgot to pronounce the Benedicite.

From A Nest of Spies by Allain, Marcel

Then to my lodgings driving with me back, He left me with a Benedicite!

From The Woman Who Dared by Sargent, Epes

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

"Benedicite, good gentlemen!" he said, and went out with bowed head and a rustle of flowing robe.

From The Firebrand by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)

The Te Deum is sung in the Church service every day except during Advent and Lent when the Benedicite is sung instead.

From The American Church Dictionary and Cyclopedia by Miller, William James

Related Words

• dedication
• grace