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unction, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
unction in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
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English
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin unctiō.
Pronunciation
Noun
unction (countable and uncountable, plural unctions)
- An ointment or salve.
c. 1678 (date written; published 1682), J Dryden, “Mac Flecknoe”, in Mac Flecknoe: A Poem. With Spencer’s Ghost: Being a Satyr Concerning Poetry. , London: H Hills, , published 1709, →OCLC, page 6:The King himſelf the ſacred Unction made, / As King by Office, and as Prieſt by Trade: […]
- A religious or ceremonial anointing.
1667, John Milton, “Book VI”, in Paradise Lost. , London: [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker ; nd by Robert Boulter ; nd Matthias Walker, , →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: , London: Basil Montagu Pickering , 1873, →OCLC:To be heir, and to be king / By sacred unction, thy deserved right.
- A balm or something that soothes.
- A quality in language, address or delivery which expresses sober and fervent emotion.
1938, Norman Lindsay, chapter XXI, in Age of Consent, London: T Werner Laurie , →OCLC, page 223:"Well, I'll say this for myself. If there's anything out of order where I'm about, I don't miss it." "I believe you," said Bradly with unction.
- A smug, exaggerated use of language; smarminess.
- Divine or sanctifying grace.
Derived terms
Translations
religious or ceremonial anointing
balm or something that soothes
Anagrams
Scots
Noun
unction (plural unctions)
- auction