The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. 2002.
Beatitudes
(bee-AT-uh-toohdz, bee-AT-uh-tyoohdz) Eight sayings of Jesus at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount. The word is from the Latinbeatus, meaning blessed, and each of the Beatitudes begins with the word blessed. They include Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the Earth and Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.