valediction

First attested in 1614; borrowed from New Latin valedictiō, from valedīcō (“to bid farewell”) + -tiō, from valē (“farewell, so long”) + dīcō (“to say”).^[1] By surface analysis, valedict +‎ -ion.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˌvæl.əˈdɪk.ʃən/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɪkʃən

valediction (plural valedictions)

1. A speech made when leaving or parting company.
2. The act of parting company.

   Synonym: leave-taking

3. A word or phrase said upon leaving, such as "farewell" or "adieu".
   • 1952 January, Henry Maxwell, “Farewell to the "T14s"”, in Railway Magazine, page 57:

     Yes, the tide will surely turn, and meanwhile may one who is proud to call himself a partisan, invite whomever may feel disposed to bid the "T14s" adieux, to pause before giving them valediction and accord to them the respect that is assuredly their due.

4. A word or phrase used to end a letter or message.

   Synonyms: complimentary close, complimentary closing

• (phrase ending message): sincerely

• salutation