anoint
verb/əˈnɔɪnt/
Etymology From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”). Doublet of inunct.
1
To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
- He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, John 9:6:
- And Fragrant Oils the ſtiffen'd Limbs anoint.1697, Virgil, “The Sixth Book of the Æneis”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC, page 371, line 315:
2
To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
- Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Exodus 29:7:
- Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Kings 19:15:
3
Figuratively To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
- Unlike other previous Prelates, who were swiftly anointed bishops, Francis did not follow suit. Ocáriz remained a Monsignor. In the eyes of many observers, it was a demotion of Opus Dei.2024 March 16, Antonia Cundy, “The Opus Dei diaries”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 18:
4
Historical To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.
- Derived terms
- anointable, anointee, anointer, Anointing of the Sick, anointment, disanoint, reanoint, self-anoint, the Lord's Anointed