Anointment

/əˈnɔɪntmənt/ noun

Definition

The act, process, or ceremony of anointing; the application of oil in a formal or sacred manner.

Etymology

From 'anoint' + '-ment' (action/result noun suffix). Similar to 'appointment' and 'engagement,' this suffix transforms verbs into nouns describing completed states or formal processes.

Kelly Says

While 'anointing' describes the action, 'anointment' elevates it to something more formal and ceremonial—it's the difference between washing dishes and having a baptism. Medieval church records specifically used 'anointment' to mark solemn religious events.

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