Definition of "unction" []

• The act of anointing as part of a religious, ceremonial, or healing ritual. (noun)
• An ointment or oil; a salve. (noun)
• Something that serves to soothe; a balm. (noun)
• Affected or exaggerated earnestness, especially in choice and use of language. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "Christians, and so be in Him as Christ, anointed with that unction from the Holy One."
• "Romish extreme unction is administered to those whose life is despaired of, to heal the soul, whereas James 'unction was to heal the body."
• "The word unction was a term of reproach, and the rich, invaluable treasure for which it stood was an offence."