Definitions for: Unction


[n] anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
[n] semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation
[n] smug self-serving earnestness
[n] excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm



Webster (1913) Definition: Unc"tion, n. [OE. unccioun, uncioun, OF. oncion,
onction, F. onction, fr. L. unctio, fr. ungere, unctum, to
anoint. See Unguent.]
1. The act of anointing, smearing, or rubbing with an
unguent, oil, or ointment, especially for medical
purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial
unction.

To be heir, and to be king By sacred unction, thy
deserved right. --Milton.

2. That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment;
hence, anything soothing or lenitive.

The king himself the sacred unction made. --Dryden.

Lay not that flattering unction to your soul.
--Shak.

3. Divine or sanctifying grace. [R.]

4. That quality in language, address, or the like, which
excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious
fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious,
or unnatural fervor.

The delightful equivoque and unction of the passage
in Farquhar. --Hazlitt.

The mention of thy glory Is unction to the breast.
--Neale
(Rhythm of St.
Bernard).

Extreme unction (R. C. Ch. & Gr. Ch.), the sacrament of
anointing in the last hours; the application of
consecrated oil by a priest to all the senses, that is, to
eyes, ears, nostrils, etc., of a person when in danger of
death from illness, -- done for remission of sins. [James
v. 14, 15.]

Synonyms: balm, fulsomeness, fulsomeness, inunction, oiliness, ointment, oleaginousness, salve, smarm, smarminess, unctuousness, unguent

See Also: anointing, anointment, arnica, baby oil, balsam, carron oil, cerate, chrism, chrisom, compliment, curative, cure, holy oil, hypocrisy, lanolin, lip balm, mentholated salve, mercurial ointment, religious ceremony, religious ritual, remedy, sacramental oil, wool fat, wool grease, zinc ointment

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