unction (n.)

"act of anointing as a religious rite," late 14c., from Latin unctionem (nominative unctio) "anointing," from unctus, past participle of ungere "to anoint" (see unguent).

Entries linking to unction

unguent (n.)

"ointment," early 15c., from Latin unguentem "ointment," from stem of unguere "to anoint or smear with ointment," from PIE root *ongw- "to salve, anoint" (source also of Sanskrit anakti "anoints, smears," Armenian aucanem "I anoint," Old Prussian anctan "butter," Old High German ancho, German anke "butter," Old Irish imb, Welsh ymenyn "butter").

unctuous (adj.)

late 14c., "oily, having a greasy or soapy feeling when touched," from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus "greasy," from Latin unctus "act of anointing," from past participle stem of unguere "to anoint" (see unguent).

Figurative sense of "blandly ingratiating" is first recorded 1742, perhaps in part with a literal sense, but in part a sarcastic usage from unction in the meaning "deep spiritual feeling" (1690s), such as comes from having been anointed in the rite of unction. Related: Unctuously; unctuousness.

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Definitions of unction

unction (n.)

excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm;

Synonyms: smarm / fulsomeness

unction (n.)

smug self-serving earnestness;

Synonyms: fulsomeness / oiliness / oleaginousness / smarminess / unctuousness

unction (n.)

semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation;

Synonyms: ointment / unguent / balm / salve

unction (n.)

anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual;

Synonyms: inunction

From wordnet.princeton.edu

Dictionary entries near unction

uncouple

uncouth

uncover

uncredited

uncritical

unction

unctious

unctuous

uncultivated

uncurbed

uncurious