Word origins - 2ed. J. Ayto. 2005.
Unction — Unc tion, n. [OE. unccioun, uncioun, OF. oncion, onction, F. onction, fr. L. unctio, fr. ungere, unctum, to anoint. See {Unguent}.] 1. The act of anointing, smearing, or rubbing with an unguent, oil, or ointment, especially for medical purposes,… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
Unction — (v. lat.), Salbung, Heiligung. Unctores, Sklaven der Römer, welche in den Bädern die Herren salbten; auch so v.w. Aliptä. Unctuarium (Unctorium), das Salbzimmer in Bädern, s.u. Bad III … Pierer's Universal-Lexikon
unction — (n.) late 14c., act of anointing as a religious rite, from L. unctionem (nom. unctio) anointing, from unctus, pp. of ungere to anoint (see UNGUENT (Cf. unguent)) … Etymology dictionary
unction — ► NOUN 1) formal the anointing of someone with oil or ointment as a religious rite or as a symbol of investiture as a monarch. 2) excessive or ingratiating politeness or effusiveness. ORIGIN Latin, from unguere anoint … English terms dictionary
unction — [uŋk′shən] n. [ME unccioun < L unctio < ungere, to anoint: see UNGUENT] 1. a) the act of anointing, as in medical treatment or a religious ceremony b) the oil, ointment, etc. used for this 2. anything that soothes or comforts 3 … English World dictionary
unction — n. (rel.) 1) to give unction 2) to receive unction 3) Extreme Unction USAGE NOTE: The term Anointing of the Sick is now preferred to Extreme Unction. * * * [ ʌŋkʃ(ə)n] (rel.) to give unction to receive unction Extreme Unction (USAGE NOTE: The… … Combinatory dictionary
unction — Synonyms and related words: Tartuffery, Tartuffism, affectation, anointment, balm, balsam, brilliantine, cant, cerate, chrism, chrismal, chrismation, chrismatory, chrisom, cold cream, collyrium, cream, demulcent, embrocation, emollient, extreme… … Moby Thesaurus
unction — 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… … Universalium
unction — noun Etymology: Middle English unccioun, from Anglo French, from Latin unction , unctio, from unguere to anoint more at ointment Date: 14th century 1. the act of anointing as a rite of consecration or healing 2. something used for anointing ;… … New Collegiate Dictionary
unction — noun a) a salve or ointment b) a religious or ceremonial anointing See Also: extreme unction, Anointing of the Sick … Wiktionary
unction — unc|tion [ ʌŋkʃən ] noun uncount extreme unction a ceremony in the Catholic Church for someone who is dying. The priest puts special oil on the sick person s head while praying for them … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
