the act of blessing.-a blessing; an expression of blessing, prayer, or kind wishes in favor of any person or thing; a solemn or affectionate invocation of happiness.-the short prayer which closes public worship; as, to give the benediction.-the form of instituting an abbot, answering to the consecration of a bishop.-a solemn rite by which bells, banners, candles, etc., are blessed with holy water, and formally dedicated to god.