Main Entry: anoint

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈnȯint\

Function: transitive verb

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French enoint, past participle of enoindre, from Latin inunguere, from in- + unguere to smear — more at ointment

Date: 14th century

1 : to smear or rub with oil or an oily substance
2 a : to apply oil to as a sacred rite especially for consecration b : to choose by or as if by divine election; also : to designate as if by a ritual anointment <critics anointed the author as the bright new talent>

— anoint·er noun

— anoint·ment \-mənt\ noun