BLESS

transitive verb (~ed; also blest; ~ing) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English blētsian, from blōd blood; from the use of blood in consecration Date: before 12th century to hallow or consecrate by religious rite or word, to hallow with the sign of the cross, to invoke divine care for , 4. praise , glorify , to speak well of ; approve , to confer prosperity or happiness upon, protect , preserve , endow , favor