Obs. Also 6 blesse, bliss. (Much affected by Spenser: perhaps taken from such a use as that quoted from William of Palerne under BLESS v.2; perhaps, as others think, ‘to flourish as in making the sign of the cross’: cf. BLESS v.1 2 (quot. 1225), also 3 (quot. 1596). In any case it can hardly be an independent word.] trans. and absol. To wave about, brandish; also trans. to brandish round an object with a weapon).
1596. Spenser, F. Q., I. v. 6. They … burning blades about their heades doe blesse. Ibid., I. viii. 22. His sparkling blade about his head he blest. Ibid., VI. viii. 13. And with his club him all about so blist, That he which way to turne him scarcely wist.
1600. Fairfax, Tasso, IX. lxvii. His armed head with his sharpe blade he blest.
