benison
UK: ˈbɛnɪs(ə)n | US: ˈbɛnɪsən
n. a blessing or benediction
n. (archaic) a formal pronouncement of divine favor
benison = bene<good> + ison<noun suffix>
- bene (from Latin bene, meaning "well" or "good")
- ison (a suffix derived from Old French -ison, indicating an action or result, akin to Latin -atio)
Etymology Origin:
The word benison traces back to Old French benëiçon, itself from Latin benedictio (blessing). The morpheme bene (good) is a recurring element in words like benefit and benevolent, while -ison reflects a noun-forming suffix. Over time, benison evolved in Middle English to denote a formal blessing, often with religious or poetic connotations. Its archaic usage highlights its roots in ceremonial language.
The priest offered a benison to the newlyweds.
In medieval tales, kings often bestowed a benison upon their knights.
Her words carried the warmth of a mother’s benison.
The poem concluded with a benison for peace.
Though archaic, "benison" still appears in liturgical contexts.