Chrismal

/ˈkrɪzməl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or involving chrism or anointing with blessed oil.

Etymology

Formed from 'chrism' plus the Latin adjectival suffix '-al'. Emerged in Middle English ecclesiastical writing as religious scholars needed adjectives to describe chrism-related ceremonies and objects.

Kelly Says

Chrismal is one of those words that almost disappeared from English—it's so specialized that even most priests probably haven't used it in years, yet it captures a specific religious concept with perfect precision.

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