a. and sb.; also 6–9 benedick. [ad. L. benedictus blessed; see prec.]

1

  † A.  adj. Blessed, benign, salutary; spec. in Med. mildly laxative. Obs.

2

1576.  Baker, Gesner’s Jewell of Health, 209 a. The Oyle Benedick or Oyle of Tyle stones.

3

1626.  Bacon, Sylva, § 19. Rhubarb and other Medicines that are benedict.

4

1657.  J. Goodwin, Triers Tried, 4. That the two Commissions specified be … benedict to the interest of the Gospel.

5

a. 1693.  Sancroft, Serm., 110 (T.). If the more benign and benedict medicines will not work.

6

  † b.  Priest benedict: = BENET, exorcist. Obs.

7

1660.  R. Coke, Power & Subj., 160. No Priest, whether consecrate at [? or] Benedict shall forsake his Church.

8

  B.  sb.

9

  1.  A newly married man; esp. an apparently confirmed bachelor who marries. [From the character of that name in Shaks., Much Ado about Nothing.]

10

[1599.  Shaks., Much Ado, V. iv. 100. How dost thou Benedicke the married man?]

11

1821.  Scott, in Lockhart (1839), VI. 313. Wish the veteran joy of his entrance into the band of Benedicts.

12

1843.  Life in West (L.). He is no longer a benedick, but a quiet married man.

13

  † 2.  ‘A good saying, an honest report.’ Blount, Glossogr., 1656.

14