anoint Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb choose by or as if by divine intervention
- She was anointed the head of the Christian fundamentalist group
verb administer an oil or ointment to; often in a religious ceremony of blessing
anele; inunct; oil; embrocate.

OF. enoint, p. p. of enoindre, fr. L. inungere; in + ungere, unguere, to smear, anoint. See Ointment, Unguent.

imperfect & past participle Anointed; present participle & verbal noun Anointing

To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
And fragrant oils the stiffened limbs anoint. Dryden.

He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. John ix. 6.
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. Exod. xxix. 7.

Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 1 Kings xix. 15.
1 Sam. xxvi. 9.