What does chrismal mean?
Chrismal is a formal adjective relating to a chrism, a consecrated oil used in several Christian rites. The word is especially associated with baptism, confirmation, ordination, and other occasions on which a person or object is anointed with blessed oil. A natural example is “the newly baptized infant was anointed with chrismal oil.” In practice, the most familiar expression is “chrismal oil,” while “chrismal blessing” is also used. Chrismal should not be confused with chrism: the latter names the oil itself, whereas the former describes the oil, its use, or something connected with it. The word belongs primarily to liturgical, historical, and ecclesiastical English rather than everyday conversation. It is nevertheless useful because it precisely identifies the sacramental character of a Christian anointing and distinguishes that practice from ordinary forms of blessing or consecration.
adjectiveOf or relating to a chrism, the consecrated oil used in certain Christian ceremonies such as baptism, confirmation, and ordination.
- Relating to or used in connection with a chrism or the anointing performed with it.
"The newly baptized infant was anointed with chrismal oil."
"The bishop administered the rite using the chrismal oil."
"White vestments and a golden chrismal vessel were prepared for the ceremony."
Chrismal names the special oil that has marked Christian baptisms, confirmations, and ordinations for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does chrismal come from?
Chrismal derives from Medieval Latin chrismalis, meaning “of or relating to chrism.” Latin chrisma denoted consecrated or anointed oil and came from Greek khristos, meaning “anointed,” the word also underlying Christ, Christian, and related terms. The English adjective developed as a specialized term for the oil and rites associated with Christian anointing.
How chrismal is actually used
This is a formal and relatively uncommon term, chiefly used in Christian, historical, and liturgical contexts.
Easily confused with chrismal
A chrism is the consecrated oil itself, whereas chrismal is an adjective meaning relating to that oil or its use.