anoint

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to ceremonially smear or rub with oil as part of a religious rite

   The priest anointed the king during the coronation ceremony.

2. 2
   verb

   to officially choose or designate someone for a particular role or position

   She was anointed as the new leader of the organization.

From Latin inungere ('to smear on'), past participle inunctus ('anointed'); via Old French anoint ('smeared with oil') into Middle English anointen ('to consecrate with oil'), giving Modern English anoint ('to consecrate, or to designate as chosen').

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