World English Dictionary
(blɛs)
— vb , blesses , blessing , blessed , blest 1. to consecrate or render holy, beneficial, or prosperous by means of a religious rite 2. to give honour or glory to (a person or thing) as divine or holy 3. to call upon God to protect; give a benediction to 4. to worship or adore (God); call or hold holy 5. ( often passive ) to grant happiness, health, or prosperity to: they were blessed with perfect peace 6. ( usually passive ) to endow with a talent, beauty, etc: she was blessed with an even temper 7. rare to protect against evil or harm 8. ( interjection ) bless! an exclamation of well-wishing 9. ( interjection ) bless you! a. a traditional phrase said to a person who has just sneezed b. an exclamation of well-wishing or surprise 10. ( interjection ) bless me! , bless my soul! , God bless my soul! an exclamation of surprise 11. not have a penny to bless oneself with to be desperately poor [Old English blǣdsian to sprinkle with sacrificial blood; related to blōd blood ]
(blɛs)