noun
farewell address; parting words
A formal or literary term for a speech or words given at parting, such as at a graduation, retirement, or farewell party.
送別会で、彼は心のこもった別辞を述べた。
At the farewell party, he gave a heartfelt farewell address.
校長先生の別辞に、卒業生たちは涙を流した。
The graduates shed tears at the principal's parting words.
Compound of 別 (べつ, 'parting, separation') and 辞 (じ, 'words, speech'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji composition transparently reflects the meaning.