English

A jar containing chrism (consecrated oil)

Noun

chrism ‎(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.

Derived terms

• hoplochrism

Translations

Anagrams

• smirch