unction

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin unctiō.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ʌŋkʃən/
    • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ʌŋkʃən

Noun

unction (countable and uncountable, plural unctions)

  1. An ointment or salve.
    • c. 1678 (date written; published 1682), J[ohn] Dryden, “Mac Flecknoe”, in Mac Flecknoe: A Poem. [] With Spencer’s Ghost: Being a Satyr Concerning Poetry. [], London: [] H[enry] Hills, [], published 1709, →OCLC, page 6:
      The King himſelf the ſacred Unction made, / As King by Office, and as Prieſt by Trade: []
  2. A religious or ceremonial anointing.
  3. A balm or something that soothes.
  4. A quality in language, address or delivery which expresses sober and fervent emotion.
  5. A smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess.
  6. Divine or sanctifying grace.

Derived terms

Translations

Anagrams

Scots

Noun

unction (plural unctions)

  1. auction
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