noun

1. 1. the act of anointing, as in medical treatment or a religious ceremony
   2. the oil, ointment, etc. used for this
2. anything that soothes or comforts
3. 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