<html><body>
Blessing is more widely used. There is no verb form for benediction.<br>
<br>
Benediction is always Christian, blessing can be but isn't always.<br>
<br>
If someone sneezes, in BE, you can say 'Bless you!'<br>
<br>
You can say (to quote the LDCE) 'The dishwasher has been a real blessing!', but not 'a benediction'.<br>
<br>
Not specifically Christian: bless my soul! a blessing in disguise / count your blessings<br>
<br>
Margaret (without dishwasher)<br>
<!-- |**|begin egp html banner|**| -->
<br>
<div style="text-align:center; color:#909090; width:500px;">
<hr style="border-bottom:1px; width:500px; text-align:left;">
<tt>YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS</tt>
</div>
<br>
<ul>
<tt><li type=square> Visit your group "<a href="http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lexicographylist">lexicographylist</a>" on the web.<br> </tt>
<tt><li type=square> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:<br> <a href="mailto:lexicographylist-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe">lexicographylist-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com</a><br> </tt>
<tt><li type=square> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the <a href="http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/">Yahoo! Terms of Service</a>.</tt>
</ul>
<br>
<div style="text-align:center; color:#909090; width:500px;">
<hr style="border-bottom:1px; width:500px; text-align:left;">
</div>
</br>
<!-- |**|end egp html banner|**| -->
</body></html>