_Benedicite_.--When a priest saluted or was asked for his blessing,, he
said "Benedicite," Bless ye,--_Domino_, or, in worse Latin, _nomen Dei_.
understood. Can any one say why _Benedicat_ or _Benedicimini_ was not used,
as the use of _Benedicite_ was intended {464} to convey or invoke a
blessing, not an exhortation to bless.