▪ I. benedictional, n.
(bɛnɪˈdɪkʃənəl)
[ad. med.L. benedictiōnālis (sc. liber), i.e. book of benedictions; cf. hymnal, etc.]
A book containing the forms of episcopal benedictions formerly in use.
| 1844 Lingard Anglo-Sax. Ch. I. vii. (1858) 271 note, The Benedictional of St. Ethelwold. 1849 Rock Ch. of Fathers IV. ii. 37 The head deacon..gave the benedictional to the bishop. 1879 J. Simmons in Lay Folks Mass Bk. 351 note, The new words..were rendered in the vulgar tongue, as..sang-boc (psalter), bletsing-boc (benedictional). |
▪ II. benedictional, a.
(bɛnɪˈdɪkʃənəl)
[f. benediction + -al.]
Of or pertaining to the pronouncing of a benediction.
| 1902 Encycl. Brit. XXVII. 238/2 Small benedictional crosses belong to each altar, and processional crosses are common [in the Coptic Church]. |