anoint

 
Pronunciation: /əˈnɔɪnt/

verb

[with object]
  • smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony: high priests were anointed with oil bodies were anointed after death for burial
  • (anoint something with) smear or rub something with (any other substance): Kuna Indians anoint the tips of their arrows with poison
  • ceremonially confer divine or holy office upon (a priest or monarch) by smearing or rubbing with oil: [with object and complement]: Samuel anointed him king
  • nominate or choose (someone) as successor to or leading candidate for a position: (as adjective anointed) his officially anointed heir

Phrases

Anointing of the Sick

(in the Roman Catholic Church) the sacramental anointing of the ill or infirm with blessed oil; unction.

God's (or the Lord's) anointed

a monarch ruling by divine right: the ceremonial reminded the king’s subjects that he was God’s anointed

Derivatives

anointer

noun

anointment

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French enoint 'anointed', past participle of enoindre, from Latin inungere, from in- 'upon' + ungere 'anoint, smear with oil'