'Unction' definitions:

Definition of 'unction'

(from WordNet)
noun
Excessive but superficial compliments given with affected charm [syn: unction, smarm, fulsomeness]
noun
Smug self-serving earnestness [syn: fulsomeness, oiliness, oleaginousness, smarminess, unctuousness, unction]
noun
Semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation [syn: ointment, unction, unguent, balm, salve]
noun
Anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual [syn: unction, inunction]

Definition of 'Unction'

From: 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]

Definition of 'unction'

From: Easton
  • Unction (1 John 2:20,27; R.V., "anointing"). Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed, in token of receiving divine grace. All believers are, in a secondary sense, what Christ was in a primary sense, "the Lord's anointed."

Words containing 'Unction'