unction

Noun
Synonyms: smarmfulsomenessoilinessoleaginousnesssmarminessunctuousnessointmentunguentbalmsalveinunction

WordNet 3.0

Noun (4)

  1. excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charmSynonyms: smarmfulsomeness
  2. smug self-serving earnestnessSynonyms: fulsomenessoilinessoleaginousnesssmarminessunctuousness
  3. semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritationSynonyms: ointmentunguentbalmsalve
  4. anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritualSynonyms: inunction
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Unction \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. [1913 Webster]

To be heir, and to be king By sacred unction, thy deserved right.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment; hence, anything soothing or lenitive. [1913 Webster]

The king himself the sacred unction made.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]
Lay not that flattering unction to your soul.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.Divine or sanctifying grace. [R.] [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

The delightful equivoque and unction of the passage in Farquhar.— Hazlitt.[1913 Webster]
The mention of thy glory Is unction to the breast.— Neale (Rhythm of St. Bernard).[1913 Webster]

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.] [1913 Webster]

The Devil's Dictionary

UNCTION, n. An oiling, or greasing. The rite of extreme unction consists in touching with oil consecrated by a bishop several parts of the body of one engaged in dying. Marbury relates that after the rite had been administered to a certain wicked English nobleman it was discovered that the oil had not been properly consecrated and no other could be obtained. When informed of this the sick man said in anger: "Then I'll be damned if I die!" "My son," said the priest, "this is what we fear."
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