Hypertext Webster Gateway: "anoint"
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary (easton)
Anoint
The practice of anointing with perfumed oil was common among the
Hebrews. (1.) The act of anointing was significant of
consecration to a holy or sacred use; hence the anointing of the
high priest (Ex. 29:29; Lev. 4:3) and of the sacred vessels (Ex.
30:26). The high priest and the king are thus called "the
anointed" (Lev. 4:3, 5, 16; 6:20; Ps. 132:10). Anointing a king
was equivalent to crowning him (1 Sam. 16:13; 2 Sam. 2:4, etc.).
Prophets were also anointed (1 Kings 19:16; 1 Chr. 16:22; Ps.
105:15). The expression, "anoint the shield" (Isa. 21:5), refers
to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather of the shield so as
to make it supple and fit for use in war.
(2.) Anointing was also an act of hospitality (Luke 7:38, 46).
It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint
themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating
their bodies (Deut. 28:40; Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 14:2; Ps. 104:15,
etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the
present day.
(3.) Oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied
to the sick, and also to wounds (Ps. 109:18; Isa. 1:6; Mark
6:13; James 5:14).
(4.) The bodies of the dead were sometimes anointed (Mark
14:8; Luke 23:56).
(5.) The promised Deliverer is twice called the "Anointed" or
Messiah (Ps. 2:2; Dan. 9:25, 26), because he was anointed with
the Holy Ghost (Isa. 61:1), figuratively styled the "oil of
gladness" (Ps. 45:7; Heb. 1:9). Jesus of Nazareth is this
anointed One (John 1:41; Acts 9:22; 17:2, 3; 18:5, 28), the
Messiah of the Old Testament.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Anoint \A*noint"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Anointed}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Anointing}.] [OF. enoint, p. p. of enoindre, fr. L.
inungere; in + ungere, unguere, to smear, anoint. See
{Ointment}, {Unguent}.]
1. To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance;
also, to spread over, as oil.
And fragrant oils the stiffened limbs anoint.
--Dryden.
He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay.
--John ix. 6.
2. To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred
rite, especially for consecration.
Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it
upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him. --Exod.
xxix. 7.
Anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. --1 Kings xix.
15.
{The Lord's Anointed}, Christ or the Messiah; also, a Jewish
or other king by ``divine right.'' --1 Sam. xxvi. 9.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Anoint \A*noint"\, p. p.
Anointed. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
anoint
v : administer an oil or ointment to ; often in a religious
ceremony of blessing [syn: {inunct}, {oil}, {anele}, {embrocate}]
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