benedictory
Americanadjective
Etymology
Origin of benedictory
First recorded in 1700–10, benedictory is from the Medieval Latin word benedictōrius
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Nesmith closed the set with "Thanx for the Ride," something of a benedictory song from "Loose Salute" that tied in with the rustic surroundings in the mountains above and beyond Palm Springs.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 22, 2018
But note the glowing halo around his head and the long fingers of his right hand splayed across his abdomen: The index and middle finger are scissored open as if giving a benedictory sign.
From New York Times ● Oct. 15, 2014
With his gleaming gilt copper body, wide-open ivory and horn eyes, and pacific benedictory gesture, he would surely be an entrancing sight in the church where he still resides.
From New York Times ● Mar. 24, 2011
The other was raised in a vaguely benedictory gesture over some little chiefs from whose council fire the mighty figure seemed to rise.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Ite!" he said, and added, whilst his raised hand seemed to perform a benedictory gesture—"Pax Domini sit tecum."
From The Strolling Saint; being the confessions of the high and mighty Agostino D'Anguissola, tyrant of Mondolfo and Lord of Carmina in the state of Piacenza by Sabatini, Rafael
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.
