Blessinge

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An invocation asking for divine favor or the consecration of a person or thing ; a fortunate circumstance or something that brings welfare and happiness
2. A benediction calling down God's grace on someone or something ; a favorable event or gift that proves beneficial to those who receive it
3. A prayer that sanctifies a person or object ; a welcome boon or advantage that brings contentment and good fortune

Etymology: Old English had the noun "bletsung," formed from the verb "bletsian," to consecrate or bless. That verb came from "blod," the word for blood, so its original sense was of making something holy with blood. The idea of a prayer invoking divine protection grew out of that consecrating act, and the word has kept its religious meaning ever since. The spelling here, with its final "e" and "-inge" ending, is a Middle English form of the noun. Over the following centuries the spelling settled toward the modern form, while the sense of a prayer for protection remained.