v.tr. 1 apply oil or ointment to, esp. as a religious ceremony (e.g. at baptism, or the consecration of a priest or king, or in ministering to the sick). 2 (usu. foll. by with) smear, rub. anointer n.
[ ME f. AF anoint (adj.) f. OF enoint past part. of enoindre f. L inungere (as IN-(2), ungere unct- smear with oil) ]