Middle English Dictionary Entry
benedicitẹ̄ n.
Entry Info
| Forms | benedicitẹ̄ n. Also bendiste, benste. |
| Etymology | L, OF benedicitē |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) A short prayer used as a grace before eating; (b) a prayer recited before confession.
Associated quotations
a
- c1230(?a1200) *Ancr.(Corp-C 402)11b : Bitweone mel þe drinken wule, segge Benedicite: 'Potum nostrum filius dei benedicat'.
b
- c1230(?a1200) *Ancr.(Corp-C 402)15b : Gað forð mid godes dred. To preost on earst Confiteor [Nero: siggeð confiteor] & þrefter Benedicite, þet he ah to seggen.
- a1400 Ancr.Recl.(Pep 2498)27/21 : Hij owen to saien her Confiteor and after Benedicite dominus.
- c1400(c1378) PPl.B (LdMisc 581)5.397 : He bygan benedicite with a bolke.
2.
(a) A blessing, deliverance from evil; ~ be her-in, ~ be us among, bless us! Heaven help us! etc.; (b) iron. a blow, a mortal wound.
Associated quotations
a
- ?a1300 Sirith (Dgb 86)193 : Benedicite be herinne! Her hauest þou, sone, mikel senne.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)101/46 : Benste be vs emang, And saue all that I se here in this thrang.
- a1500(a1460) Towneley Pl.(Hnt HM 1)127/359 : Benste be here in!
b
- c1330(?c1300) Guy(1) (Auch)5744 : To him þat him held turned he, And ȝaf him swiche benedicite, þat he brak his nek ato.
- c1425(c1400) Ld.Troy (LdMisc 595)6793 : He ȝaff him suche a benedicite That he fel dede.
3.
Personal name.
Associated quotations
- (1287) Leet R.Norwich in Seld.Soc.57 : Paulus Benedicite.
- (1299) Leet R.Norwich in Seld.Soc.552 : Paulus Bendiste.