the act of anointing or rubbing with oil or other fatty matter.

in matters of religion, is used for the character conferred on sacred things, by anointing them with oil. Uncions were very frequent among the Hebrews. They anointed both their kings and high-priests at the ceremony of their inauguration. They also anointed the sacred vessels of the tabernacle and temple, to sanctify and consecrate them to the service of God. The uncion of kings is supposed to be a ceremony introduced very late among the Christian princes. It is said, that none of the emperors were ever anointed before Justinian, or Justin. The emperors of Germany took the practice from those of the eastern empire: king Pepin of France was the first who received the uncion. In the ancient Christian church, uncion always accompanied the ceremonies of baptism and confirmation. Extreme uncion, or the anointing persons in the article of death, was also practised by the ancient Christians, in compliance with the precept of St James, chap. v. 14. and 15 verses; and this extreme uncion the Romish church has advanced to the dignity of a sacrament. It is administered to none but such as are afflicted with some mortal disease, or are in a decrepit age. It is refused to impotent persons, as also to criminals. The parts to be anointed are the eyes, the ears, the nostrils, the mouth, the hands, the feet, and the reins. The laity are anointed in the palms of the hands, but priests on the back of it; because the palms of their hands have been already consecrated by ordination. The parts above-mentioned are anointed in the form of a cross. The priest begins anointing the sick person's eyes, saying, "May God, by his holy anointing, pardon you the sins you have committed by the eyes." In like manner he proceeds to the other parts, varying the words according to the parts he anoints.