— unctionless , adj.
/ungk"sheuhn/ , n.
1. an act of anointing, esp. as a medical treatment or religious rite.
2. an unguent or ointment; salve.
3. something soothing or comforting.
4. an excessive, affected, sometimes cloying earnestness or fervor in manner, esp. in speaking.
5. Relig.
a. the oil used in religious rites, as in anointing the sick or dying.
b. the shedding of a divine or spiritual influence upon a person.
c. the influence shed.
d. See extreme unction .
6. the manifestation of spiritual or religious inspiration.
[ 1350-1400; ME unctioun unction (s. of unctio ) anointing, besmearing, equiv. to unct ( us ) (ptp. of ung ( u ) ere to smear, anoint) + -ion- -ION ]