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holy oil

American  

noun

  1. consecrated oil; chrism.

  2. (especially in the Eastern Church) oil that has been in contact with a sacred object, as a relic, and is used in certain rites.


Etymology

Origin of holy oil

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In her post, Ms. Stolik struck a defiant tone befitting the holiday, which commemorates the miraculous eight-day preservation of holy oil for the menorah in the Second Temple of Jerusalem amid the 167-160 B.C.

From Washington Times Dec. 8, 2023

In the ceremony’s most intimate moment, Charles was anointed with holy oil, harvested from the Mount of Olives and consecrated in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem.

From New York Times May 6, 2023

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will pour holy oil from an eagle-shaped ampulla, or flask, then rub it on the king’s hands, chest and head.

From Seattle Times May 6, 2023

After that, the king is marked with holy oil by the archbishop.

From NewsForKids.net May 4, 2023

I saw the priest from town come, and he rubbed the holy oil at my feet and prayed.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

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