anoint
a·noint / əˈnoint/ • v. [tr.] smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony: bodies were anointed after death for burial. ∎ (anoint something with) smear or rub something with (any other substance): Cuna Indians anoint the tips of their arrows with poison. ∎ ceremonially confer divine or holy office upon (a priest or monarch) by smearing or rubbing with oil. ∎ fig. nominate or choose (someone) as successor to or leading candidate for a position: he was anointed as the organizational candidate of the party. PHRASES: Anointing of the Sick (in the Roman Catholic Church) the sacramental anointing of the ill or infirm with blessed oil; unction.
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anoint
