Definitions for "Benedictus"
The song of Zacharias at the birth of John the Baptist (Luke i. 68); -- so named from the first word of the Latin version.
Latin for "blessed," refers to the poetic oracle of Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, found in Luke 1:68-79. Named after the first word in the Latin translation, the Benedictus has been integrated into the Church's liturgy. benefactor In the Greco-Roman context, one who provides benefits, primarily financial, legal, and social, to clients who in return provide various services including labor, political support, and public displays of honor. Benefactors (also, "Patrons") were typically of higher social and political standing than their clients.
The Benedictus (also Song of Zechariah or Canticle of Zachary), given in Luke 1:68-79, is one of the three great canticles in the opening chapters of this Gospel, the other two being the Magnificat and the Nunc dimittis. The Benedictus was the song of thanksgiving uttered by Zachary (Zacharias or common modern English spelling: Zechariah) on the occasion of the birth of his son, Saint John the Baptist. It is Jewish in form, but Christian in sentiment.