Chrismal
/ˈkrɪz.məl/noun
A vessel or container used for holding chrism, the consecrated oil used in Christian rites.
Did you know?Chrism shares its Greek root with Christ, whose title literally means “the anointed one.”
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵʰreiH-
“To rub or smear; a reconstructed root associated with the action behind anointing.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
χρῖσμα (khrîsma)
“Anointing substance, ointment, or chrism; from a verb meaning “to rub on” or “anoint.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
χριστός (khristós)
“Anointed; the source of the title Christ.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
chrisma
“Chrism or consecrated anointing oil, borrowed from Greek.”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
chrismale
“A vessel or container associated with chrism.”
Middle English
English
chrismal
“A vessel for holding chrism or holy oil.”
Modern English
English
chrismal
“A container used for chrism, especially in Christian liturgical contexts.”
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