[L.; pa. pple. of benedīcere to bless: see above.]
1. The fifth movement in the service of the Mass, beginning with the words ‘Benedictus qui venit’; (the name is given both to the words of the service, and to their musical setting).
1880. Grove, Dict. Music, II. 233/1. After the Elevation … the Choir begin the Benedictus, in soft low tones.
2. The hymn of Zacharias (Luke i. 68), used as a canticle in the morning service of the Church of England.
1552. Bk. Com. Prayer, Matins (Rubr.), And after the Second Lesson shall be used and said, Benedictus, in English, as followeth.
1641. S. Marshall, Peace-Off. God, 33. Uttering a Benedictus or Te Deum laudamus.
