characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.
having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.
Origin of unctuous
1350–1400;Middle English < Medieval Latinūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latinūnctu(s) act of anointing (ung(uere) to smear, anoint + -tus suffix of v. action) + -ōsus-ous
Related formsunc·tu·ous·ly, adverbunc·tu·ous·ness, unc·tu·os·i·ty[uhngk-choo-os-i-tee]/ˌʌŋk tʃuˈɒs ɪ ti/, noun
late 14c., "oily," from Old French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus "greasy," from Latin unctus "act of anointing," from past participle stem of unguere "to anoint" (see unguent).
Figurative sense of "blandly ingratiating" is first recorded 1742, perhaps in part with a literal sense, but in part a sarcastic usage from unction in the meaning "deep spiritual feeling" (1690s), such as comes from having been anointed in the rite of unction. Related: Unctuously; unctuousness.
