anointments
|a-noint-ments|
/əˈnɔɪntmənts/
(anointment)
consecrate or appoint by applying oil
Etymology
'anointment' ultimately derives from Old French 'enoindre' (from Latin 'ungere'/'unguere'), where the root 'ungu-' meant 'to smear with oil'.
'anointment' developed via Middle English (enointen, anointen) from Old French 'enoindre', which in turn came from Latin verbal roots related to 'ungere'. The modern English noun 'anointment' formed from the verb 'anoint' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ment'.
Originally it meant 'to smear or rub with oil,' a literal sense; over time it gained the additional sense 'to consecrate or designate by ritual oiling' and further extended to figurative meanings of 'being chosen or specially favored'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'anointment' (the given word is the plural).
The anointments were performed according to the old liturgy.
Noun 2
ritual acts of smearing with oil (for consecration, blessing, or healing); the oil or ointment used; also figuratively, the act of designating someone as chosen or specially favored.
In the coronation records, several anointments of rulers are described as symbols of divine approval.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/17 18:07