benison

From Middle English beneson, borrowed from Old French beneison, from Latin benedictio, benedictionem. First known use: 14th century. Doublet of benediction.

benison (plural benisons)

1. (chiefly literary) A blessing; benediction.
   • 1855, Anthony Trollope, The Warden, →ISBN, page 197:

     Poor old men! how could they be cordial with their sore consciences and shamed faces? how could they bid God bless him with hearty voices and a true benison, knowing, as they did, that their vile cabal had driven him from his happy home, and sent him in his old age to seek shelter under a strange roof-tree?

• malison

• Bonines, bonnies