Webster's English Dictionary

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unction

unc.tion \'*n(k)-sh*n\ n [ME unctioun, fr. L unction-, unctio, fr. unctus, 
   pp. o]f unguere to anoint - more at OINTMENT 1: the act of anointing as a 
   rite of consecration or healing  2: something used for anointing : 
   OINTMENT, UNGUENT  3a: religious or spiritual fervor or the expression (as 
   in language or mann er) of such fervor 3b: exaggerated, assumed, or 
   superficial earnestness of language or manner  : UNCTUOUSNESS