Definition

Noun: A consecrated ointment, typically a mixture of oil and balsam, used in various Christian rites for anointing. It is considered sacred and is blessed for religious purposes.

Usage

"Holy oil" is used as a singular noun, often preceded by articles like "the" or "some." It refers specifically to the sanctified substance itself. - It is used in sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and the anointing of the sick. - It is also used in the consecration of churches and the ordination of clergy.

Examples

• The priest used holy oil to anoint the baby during the baptism.
• A vial of holy oil was kept on the altar for the ceremony.
• In the sacrament, the bishop blessed the holy oil.

Advanced Usage

• "To be anointed with holy oil": This is a common passive construction describing the ritual act.
  • The confirmands were anointed with holy oil.
• "Chrism": This is a specific, synonymous term for holy oil perfumed with balsam, used particularly in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.
  • The chrism, or holy oil, was prepared by the bishop.

Variants and Related Words

• Chrism (n): Holy oil, especially when mixed with balsam.
• Anointing oil (n): A more general term for oil used in religious anointing; "holy oil" implies it has been consecrated.
• Sacramental oil (n): Oil used in the administration of a sacrament.

Synonyms

• Chrism
• Consecrated oil
• Sacred oil

Related Phrases

• The Oil of the Sick: A specific type of holy oil used in the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
  • They brought the Oil of the Sick to the hospital.
• The Oil of Catechumens: A type of holy oil used in preparation for baptism.
  • Before the baptism, the child was anointed with the Oil of Catechumens.

Noun

1. a consecrated ointment consisting of a mixture of oil and balsam