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bless - What does it mean?

Definition of 'bless'

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) blessen, from (etyl) . More at bleed.

Verb

  • To make something blessed; to confer blessing upon.
  • To make the sign of the cross upon; to cross (oneself).
    • (Holinshed)
  • To praise, or glorify; to extol for excellences.
  • * Bible, Ps. ciii. 1
    • Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.
  • To esteem or account happy; to felicitate.
  • * Bible, Jer. iv. 3
    • The nations shall bless themselves in him.
  • (obsolete) To wave; to brandish.
  • * Spenser
    • And burning blades about their heads do bless .
  • * Fairfax
    • Round his armed head his trenchant blade he blest .
  • To turn (a reference) into an object.
  • (archaic) To secure, defend, or preserve from .
  • * Shakespeare
    • Bless' me ' from marrying a usurer.
  • * Milton
    • to bless' the doors ' from nightly harm
    Antonyms
    * curse * condemn * unbless
    Related terms
    * blessed * blessing

    Etymology 2

    An ellipsis for an expression such as .

    Interjection

    (en-interj)
  • (UK|informal)
  • * 1998 , "Peter Coffey", New Alternative View Of Atomic Structure'' (on Internet newsgroup ''sci.chem )
    • Ah bless ! You must be the welcoming committee for anyone who dares express ignorance.
  • * 2000 , "Hellraiser" (on Internet newsgroup uk.people.teens )
    • oh bless . *hug* that is not true. nobody here bears a grudge against 13 year old dear or against you.
  • * 2001 , "Will", Am I still here?'' (on Internet newsgroup ''uk.religion.pagan )
    • Aw bless ... have white chocolate fudge muffin....a new batch.... made them last night after Nigella....

    Anagrams

    * ----

    Similar to 'bless'

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