ben·e·dic·tion 
(bĕn′ĭ-dĭkshən)
(bĕn′ĭ-dĭkshən)n.
1. A blessing.
2. An invocation of divine blessing, usually at the end of a church service.
3. often Benediction Roman Catholic Church A short service consisting of prayers, the singing of a Eucharistic hymn, and the blessing of the congregation with the host.
4. An expression of good wishes.
[Middle English benediccioun, from Old French benedicion, from Latin benedictiō, benedictiōn-, from benedictus, past participle of benedīcere, to bless : bene, well; see deu-2 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots + dīcere, to speak; see deik- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
ben′e·dictive, ben′e·dicto·ry (-dĭktə-rē) adj.