chrism

From Medieval Latin crisma, from Ecclesiastical Latin chrisma, from Ancient Greek χρῖσμα (khrîsma, “anointing”, “unction”), from χρίω (khríō, “anoint”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈkɹɪz(ə)m/

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• Rhymes: -ɪzəm

chrism (countable and uncountable, plural chrisms)

1. A mixture of oil and balm, consecrated for use as an anointing fluid in certain Christian ceremonies, especially confirmation.
   • 1982, A. G. Dickens, Reformation Studies, page 305, footnote,

     I observe no confirmation of this reversal and Pole specifically restored chrisms in 1555 (Cardwell, op. cit. i. 147).

   • 1984, Anthony Burgess, Enderby's Dark Lady:

     ‘The King,’ Will cried, ‘is my master and bathed in the chrism of the Lord God.’

   • 1986, Thomas G. Pavel, Fictional Worlds‎, page 111:

     For Christian examples of condensed symbols, consider the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist and the Chrisms.

   • 2000, Joseph O'Neill, The Black Shore‎, page 62:

     He was more dangerous than the plump satisfied ones, he was so sure of the value of his witchcraft, the holy oils and chrisms and unctions.

   • 2002, Colin Jones, The Great Nation, Penguin 2003, p. 8:

     Miraculously moist, the chrism was kept in an ampulla in Reims cathedral where the coronations of the kings of France were held.

• hoplochrism

• chirms, smirch