1. (n.) The act of blessing.

2. (n.) A blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness.

3. (n.) The short prayer which closes public worship; as, to give the benediction.

4. (n.) The form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop.

5. (n.) A solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally dedicated to God.