bless

To make something holy by religious rite, sanctify.

To invoke divine favor upon.

In some countries, priests bless farm animals on St. Anthony's Day.

In many families, a grace is said before dinner to give thanks for and bless the food.

To honor as holy, glorify; to extol for excellence.

A Pſalme of Dauid. Bleſſe the Lord, O my ſoule: and all that is within me, bleſſe his holy Name.

To esteem or account happy; to felicitate.

And thou ſhalt ſweare, The Lord liueth, in Trueth, in Iudgement, and in Righteouſnes, and the nations ſhall bleſſe themſelues in him, and in him ſhall they glorie.

To make the sign of the cross upon, so as to sanctify.

the archbishop vsing certeine praiers, blessed the king

Used as an expression of endearment, gratitude, or (ironically) belittlement.

Ah bless! You must be the welcoming committee for anyone who dares express ignorance.

oh bless. *hug* that is not true. nobody here bears a grudge against 13 year old dear or against you.

A surname from German.