benedicite means A canticle, the Latin version of which begins with the word benedīcite (“praise ye!”), which may be used in the order for morning prayer in Roman Catholic and Anglican churches. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 70 out of 100.
Why this word is great
BENEDICITE — [Noun] A liturgical canticle of praise, its form fixed by the Latin incipit benedīcite (“bless ye”), prescribed for use in the Roman Catholic and Anglican offices. From the Latin benedīcite, a plural imperative of benedīcō, from bene (“well”) + dīcere (“to speak”), literally meaning “to say well of” or “to praise”. Unlike a benediction, a brief, bestowed blessing, or a general canticle, any hymn-like biblical song, the Benedicite is a specific, ancient summons—a commanded chorus. It is the frost-stiffened cedars groaning in a winter gale, the unison breath of a choir invoking sun and frost, and the patient, archaic rhythm of words meant for whales and stars; a testament to the human insistence that praise is not a feeling, but a discipline.
noun
- A canticle, the Latin version of which begins with the word benedīcite (“praise ye!”), which may be used in the order for morning prayer in Roman Catholic and Anglican churches.“But one or two, who nourished in their bosoms respect for the downfallen hierarchy—casting first a timorous glance around, to see that no one observed them—hastily crossed themselves—bent their knee to sister Magdalen, by which name they saluted her—kissed her hand, or even the hem of her dalmatique—received with humility the Benedicite with which she repaid their obeisance; […]”