bless
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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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)
- To make something blessed, to confer blessing upon.
- (Perl programming, transitive) (past tense only blessed) To turn (a reference) into an object.
[edit] Antonyms
[edit] Translations
convey blessing on
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[edit] Related terms
[edit] Interjection
bless
- (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....
- 1900, L. Frank Baum , The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Chapter 23
[edit] Anagrams
[edit] Icelandic
[edit] Interjection
bless
