Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - bless

~ v past tense and past participle blessed or blest, 1 bless him/her etc spoken used to show that you are fond of someone, amused by them, or pleased by something they have done  ("Tim can tie his shoelaces now Mum." "Can he, bless him!" | Bless her little heart.) 2 be blessed with to have a special ability, good quality etc  (Fortunately we're both blessed with good health. | Nicole had not been blessed with a sense of humour.) 3 to ask God to protect someone or something  (May God bless you and keep you safe from harm.) 4 to make something holy  (Then the priest blesses the bread and wine.) 5 bless my soul/I'll be blessed! spoken old-fashioned used to express surprise 6 bless you! spoken a) what you say when someone sneezes b) old-fashioned used to thank someone for doing something for you