noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English blētsung, from blētsian to bless — more at bless
1.
a. : act of one that blesses
b. : words used in such an act
c. : benediction 1
d. : approval , encouragement
presumably had the blessing … of the British government — Time
tried to obtain the president's blessing for higher steel prices
2.
a. : a thing conducive to happiness or welfare
able to appreciate the blessing of peace
b. : a present or gift accorded as a token of especially divine favor
3. : praise , worship ; especially : grace said at a meal
father will ask the blessing
4. chiefly Midland : cursing, scolding ; especially : a severe or wordy rebuke — often with out
I'll give her a real blessing out when she gets home