chrism

[kriz-uhm]

noun

1. a consecrated oil, usually mixed with balsam or balsam and spices, used by certainchurches in various rites, as in baptism, confirmation, and the like.

chrism

/ ˈkrɪzməl, ˈkrɪzəm /

noun

1. a mixture of olive oil and balsam used for sacramental anointing in the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches

Other Word Forms

• chrismal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrism¹

before 900; learned respelling of Middle English crisme, Old English crisma < Latin chrīsma < Greek chrîsma unguent, unction

Word History and Origins

Origin of chrism¹

Old English crisma, from Medieval Latin, from Greek khrisma unction, from khriein to anoint

Example Sentences

The "chrism oil" for the coronation was consecrated in a religious ceremony in Jerusalem on Friday.

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“We don’t believe chrism oil was taken from the church and used to adulterate this statue,” Winder said.

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Royal time should move slowly and by its own laws: creeping, like the flow of chrism from a jar.

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Holy Eucharist with renewal of vows and blessing of chrism.

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Taking the chrism on his fingertips, he anointed me, marking the sign of the Cross on the required places, first my forehead, then eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, breast, hands, and feet.

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Related Words

• jelly 
• ointment 
• paste