1890 R.D. Blackmore Kit and Kitty 67: ‘Why bless my heart,’ she said, looking about for a box of matches on the onion shelf.at bless my heart! (excl.) under bless, v.1
1890 R.D. Blackmore Kit and Kitty II 17: ‘Dead as a doornail!’ said Rasp the baker. ‘Stiff as a starfish!’ cried Pluggs the grocer.at stiff as a poker (adj.) under stiff, adj.