anoint

What it means

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

   And Fragrant Oils the ſtiffen'd Limbs anoint.

   1697, Virgil, “The Sixth Book of the Æneis”, in John Dryden, transl., The Works of Virgil: Containing His Pastorals, Georgics, and Æneis. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC, page 371, line 315

   1 more example

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

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, John 9:6

   Synonyms: salve, pomade, pomate, pomatum

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

   Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, 1 Kings 19:15

   1 more example

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

   1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Exodus 29:7

   Synonyms: salve

3. figurativelytransitiveTo 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.

   2024 March 16, Antonia Cundy, “The Opus Dei diaries”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 18

In a sentence

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

1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, John 9:6

Where it comes from

1. Old Frenchenoint
2. Middle Englishenointen
3. Englishanoint

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