bless

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Middle English blessen, from Old English blētsian, blēdsian (to consecrate (with blood)), from Proto-Germanic *blōþisōnan (to sprinkle, mark or hallow with blood), from *blōþan (blood), from Proto-Indo-European *bhlo-to- (to gush, spurt), from *bhol-, *bhlē-dh-, *bhlō(w)- (to thrive, flourish, bloom). Cognate with Old Icelandic bletza (Modern Icelandic blessa, to bless), Old English blēdan (to bleed). More at bleed.

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Verb

bless (third-person singular simple present blesses, present participle blessing, simple past and past participle blest or blessed)

  1. To make something blessed, to confer blessing upon.
  2. (Perl programming, transitive) (past tense only blessed) To turn (a reference) into an object.

[edit] Antonyms

[edit] Translations

[edit] Related terms

[edit] Interjection

bless

  1. (UK, informal, shortening bless his heart or similar) Used as an expression of endearment, or (ironically) belittlement.
    • 1900, L. Frank Baum , The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 23
      "Bless your dear heart," she said, "I am sure I can tell you of a way to get back to Kansas." Then she added, "But, if I do, you must give me the Golden Cap."
    • 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....

[edit] Anagrams


[edit] Icelandic

[edit] Interjection

bless

  1. goodbye, bye
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