v. Obs. rare. [The form suggests OE. bénsian to make prayer, to pray; perh. confused in form and sense with OF. beneïss-, lengthened stem of beneïr to bless, consecrate, hallow.] trans. To sanctify, hallow, purify.
c. 1315. Shoreham, 50. That hy ham scholde clensy … And myd water bensy.
