1. (

• blessing ,
• approval ,
• approving

) the formal act of approving; "he gave the project his blessing"; "his decision merited the approval of any sensible person" ;

2. (

• blessing ,
• boon

) a desirable state; "enjoy the blessings of peace"; "a spanking breeze is a boon to sailors" ;

3. (

• grace ,
• blessing ,
• thanksgiving

) a short prayer of thanks before a meal; "their youngest son said grace" ;

4. (

• benediction ,
• blessing

) a ceremonial prayer invoking divine protection ;

5. (

• blessing ,
• benediction

) the act of praying for divine protection ;

1. (

• bless

) give a benediction to; "The dying man blessed his son" ;

2. (

• bless

) confer prosperity or happiness on ;

3. (

• bless ,
• sign ,

) make the sign of the cross over someone in order to call on God for protection; consecrate ;

4. (

• consecrate ,
• bless ,
• hallow ,
• sanctify

) render holy by means of religious rites ;