or Blessing. The Hebrews, under this name, understand the present usually sent from one friend to another, as also the blessing conferred by the patriarchs, on their death-beds, upon their children.

The privilege of benediction was one of those early instances of honour and respect paid to bishops in the primitive church. The custom of bowing the head to them, and receiving their blessings, was become universal. In the western churches there was anciently a kind of benediction which followed the Lord's prayer; and after the communion, the people were dismissed with a benediction.