■ verb
1》 consecrate or invoke divine favour upon (someone) by means of a religious rite.
↘call (God) holy; praise (God).
↘( ~ oneself ) archaic make the sign of the cross.
2》 ( ~ someone with ) endow someone with (a cherished thing or attribute).
3》 used in expressions of surprise, endearment, etc.
Phrases
~ you! said to a person who has just sneezed. [from the phr. (may) God ~ you. ]
Origin
OE blēdsian , blētsian , based on blōd 'blood' (orig. perh. 'mark or consecrate with blood').