ben·i·son \ˈbenəsən, -əzən\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English beneson, benesoun, from Old French beneïçon, beneïçun, from Late Latin benediction-, benedictio benediction — more at benediction 1.: blessing < with no help except their hands and the benison of God — A.E.Stevenson b.1900 > 2.: the pronouncing of a blessing : benediction < the prelate's benison >