unction
    n 1: excessive but superficial compliments given with affected
         charm [syn: unction, smarm, fulsomeness]
    2: smug self-serving earnestness [syn: fulsomeness,
       oiliness, oleaginousness, smarminess, unctuousness,
       unction]
    3: semisolid preparation (usually containing a medicine) applied
       externally as a remedy or for soothing an irritation [syn:
       ointment, unction, unguent, balm, salve]
    4: anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
       [syn: unction, inunction]

Unction \Unc"tion\, n. [OE. unccioun, uncioun, OF. oncion,
   onction, F. onction, fr. L. unctio, fr. ungere, unctum, to
   anoint. See Unguent.]
   1. The act of anointing, smearing, or rubbing with an
      unguent, oil, or ointment, especially for medical
      purposes, or as a symbol of consecration; as, mercurial
      unction.
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            To be heir, and to be king
            By sacred unction, thy deserved right. --Milton.
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   2. That which is used for anointing; an unguent; an ointment;
      hence, anything soothing or lenitive.
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            The king himself the sacred unction made. --Dryden.
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            Lay not that flattering unction to your soul.
                                                  --Shak.
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   3. Divine or sanctifying grace. [R.]
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   4. That quality in language, address, or the like, which
      excites emotion; especially, strong devotion; religious
      fervor and tenderness; sometimes, a simulated, factitious,
      or unnatural fervor.
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            The delightful equivoque and unction of the passage
            in Farquhar.                          --Hazlitt.
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            The mention of thy glory
            Is unction to the breast.             --Neale
                                                  (Rhythm of St.
                                                  Bernard).
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   Extreme unction (R. C. Ch. & Gr. Ch.), the sacrament of
      anointing in the last hours; the application of
      consecrated oil by a priest to all the senses, that is, to
      eyes, ears, nostrils, etc., of a person when in danger of
      death from illness, -- done for remission of sins. [James
      v. 14, 15.]
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Unction
   (1 John 2:20,27; R.V., "anointing"). Kings, prophets, and
   priests were anointed, in token of receiving divine grace. All
   believers are, in a secondary sense, what Christ was in a
   primary sense, "the Lord's anointed."
   

UNCTION, n.  An oiling, or greasing.  The rite of extreme unction
consists in touching with oil consecrated by a bishop several parts of
the body of one engaged in dying.  Marbury relates that after the rite
had been administered to a certain wicked English nobleman it was
discovered that the oil had not been properly consecrated and no other
could be obtained.  When informed of this the sick man said in anger: 
"Then I'll be damned if I die!"
    "My son," said the priest, "this is what we fear."