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.

OK acknowledgment advantage approval benedicite benefit benison blessing boon cognizance credit crediting favor godsend grace hymn invocation paean praise prayer of thanks recognition thank offering thank-you thanks thanksgiving