Blessynge

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic spelling of a solemn prayer invoking divine favor or protection upon a person ; a welcome gift or advantage that brings happiness or good fortune
2. Old spelling for the act of calling down heavenly favor on someone or something ; a beneficial gift or stroke of good luck that brings contentment
3. A Middle English form meaning a sacred invocation seeking God's grace for a person or thing ; something good that comes as a happy gift or favorable turn of fortune

Etymology: Before it meant heavenly favor, the root of this word meant something bloody. Old English "bletsian" came from "blōd," blood, and meant to mark or consecrate something by sprinkling it with blood, as was done with sacrificial objects. The Old English noun "bletsung" named that act. The bloody sense faded while the idea of sacred consecration remained. The noun came to mean a holy pronouncement or a gift bestowed by God, and later any good fortune. The spelling "blessynge" is a Middle English form of the noun, with the Old English "-ung" ending softened to "-ynge," which later became the modern "-ing."