anoint

Meaning

Verb

• To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
• To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
• To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
• To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.

Origin

• From Middle English enointen, anointen, borrowed from Old French enoint, past participle of enoindre. inunct.