anoint

verb

Etymology: From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre (“to anoint”). Doublet of inunct.

1. To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.

   “He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.”

   “And Fragrant Oils the ſtiffen'd Limbs anoint.”

2. To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.

   “Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him.”

   “Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.”

3. To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.

   “Unlike other previous Prelates, who were swiftly anointed bishops, Francis did not follow suit. Ocáriz remained a Monsignor. In the eyes of many observers, it was a demotion of Opus Dei.”

4. To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.