n. 1 a the act of anointing with oil etc. as a religious rite. b the oil etc. so used. 2 a soothing words or thought. b excessive or insincere flattery. 3 a the act of anointing for medical purposes. b an ointment so used. 4 a a fervent or sympathetic quality in words or tone caused by or causing deep emotion. b a pretence of this.
[ ME f. L unctio f. ung(u)ere unct- anoint ]