inunction

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

inunction
    n 1: anointing as part of a religious ceremony or healing ritual
         [syn: {unction}, {inunction}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Inunction \In*unc"tion\, n. [L. inunctio, fr. inungere,
   inunctum, to anoint. See 1st {In-}, and {Unction}.]
   The act of anointing, or the state of being anointed;
   unction; specifically (Med.), the rubbing of ointments into
   the pores of the skin, by which medicinal agents contained in
   them, such as mercury, iodide of potash, etc., are absorbed.
   [1913 Webster]