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

Derived Forms

• chrismal, adjective

Other Words From

• chrismal 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

Straightway there descends a dove white as snow, bearing in its beak an ampulla full of chrism sent from heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

He renounced the cross which its priests had signed on him with their chrism, their sham baptisms and other magical rites.

From Project Gutenberg

Next, when the altar hath been anointed with chrism, the twelve crosses painted on the walls of the church are also anointed.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore each of the faithful is anointed first twice with oil, next in like manner twice with chrism.

From Project Gutenberg

The bishop then poureth over it oil and chrism, and chanteth, 'Jacob set up the stone for a memorial, and poured oil upon it.'

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• jelly
• ointment
• paste