chrism

noun

Etymology: From Middle English crisme, from Late Old English crisma, from Medieval Latin crisma, from Ecclesiastical Latin chrisma, from Ancient Greek χρῖσμα (khrîsma, “anointing”, “unction”), from χρίω (khríō, “anoint”).

1. A mixture of oil and balm, consecrated for use as an anointing fluid in certain Christian ceremonies, especially confirmation.

   “A reinforcement of fresh troops staggered in, one man soaked and dripping, his hair sticky with the chrism of poured beer, another with his pockets crammed with sauce-bottles.”

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