Lewis & Short

bĕnĕdictĭo, ōnis, f. [benedico, II.] (eccl. Lat.),

  1. I. an extolling, praising, lauding, App. Trism. p. 82, 11; Vulg. Deut. 16, 10; Tert. Test. Anim. 2.
    1. B. Meton., a consecrated, sacred object: benedictio crucis = frustum sanctae crucis, Paul. Nol. Ep. 32, c. 8.
  2. II. A benediction, blessing, Sulp. de Vita S. Martini, 2, 12; Vulg. Gen. 26, 29; id. Gal. 3, 14.