unction

(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

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

See unction in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The act of anointing as part of a religious, ceremonial, or healing ritual.
  2. An ointment or oil; a salve.
  3. Something that serves to soothe; a balm.
  4. Affected or exaggerated earnestness, especially in choice and use of language.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin ūnctiō, ūnctiōn-

Origin: , from ūnctus

Origin: , past participle of unguere, to anoint

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