E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bless.
He has not a [sixpence] to bless himself with, i.e. in his possession; wherewith to make himself happy. This expression may probably be traced to the time when coins were marked with a deeply-indented cross. Cf. To keep the devil out of one’s pocket.
