unction

unction definition

unc·tion (uŋks̸hən)

noun

    1. the act of anointing, as in medical treatment or a religious ceremony
    2. the oil, ointment, etc. used for this
  1. anything that soothes or comforts
    1. a fervent or earnest quality or manner of speaking or behaving, esp. in dealing with religious matters
    2. pretended or affected fervor or earnestness in speech or manner; unctuous quality

Etymology: ME unccioun < L unctio < ungere, to anoint: see unguent

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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