rare. [f. L. benedic-us (in adv. benedicē), or benedīcĕre, f. bene well + -dicus speaking, dīcĕre to speak; see -ENCE.] Kindliness in speech.
1881. Monier Williams, in 19th Cent., IX. 168. His benevolence, his benedicence (if I may coin a new word), and his beneficence.
