Chrism
/ˈkrɪzəm/noun
A consecrated oil used in Christian rites such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination.
Did you know?Chrism and Christ both descend from the Greek verb meaning “to anoint,” so a word tied to holy oil is etymologically bound to one of the most powerful titles in Christianity.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρῖσμα (chrîsma)
“an anointing; an unguent or ointment for anointing”
Late Greek / Early Christian
Greek
χρίσμα (chrísma)
“sacred anointing oil used in religious ritual”
Late Latin
Latin
chrisma
“anointing oil; holy unction”
Old French
French
crisme
“holy oil used in Christian ceremony”
Middle English
English
crisme
“consecrated oil for anointing”
Modern English
English
chrism
“consecrated oil used in Christian rites”
Explore more surprising origins