χρῖσις

Ancient Greek

Etymology

From χρίω (khríō, “to rub, smear, anoint”) + -σις (-sis), forming an action noun.

Pronunciation

 

Noun

χρῖσις • (khrîsis) f (genitive χρίσεως); third declension

  1. smearing, rubbing, application (of oil, unguents, or similar substances)
    • 384 BCE – 322 BCE, Aristotle, Problems 966b.35:
      ἡ τοῦ ἐλαίου εἰς ἱμάτιον χρῖσις
      hē toû elaíou eis himátion khrîsis
      the smearing of oil onto a garment
    • AD 40–90, Dioscorides, 1 58:
      τῶν ἀγγείων χρῖσις
      tôn angeíōn khrîsis
      the coating of vessels
  2. anointing, especially ritual or medicinal
    • 300 BCE – 200 BCE, Septuagint, Exodus 29.21:
      χρίσει τὸν Ἀαρὼν
      khrísei tòn Aarṑn
      you shall anoint Aaron
    • Jos., AJ 2.14.3:
      φαρμάκων χρίσεις
      pharmákōn khríseis
      anointings with medicines
  3. (by extension) colouring, varnishing, wash
    • Muson., Fr. 19.H.:
      χρίσεις
      khríseis
      colour-washes
    • 175 CE – 235 CE, Claudius Aelianus, On the Nature of Animals 6.41:
      χρίσεις
      khríseis
      varnishings

Usage notes

The noun χρῖσις denotes the act or process of rubbing or smearing a substance onto a surface. In medical contexts it refers to the application of ointments or drugs; in ritual contexts, to anointing; and by extension, to colouring, varnishing, or surface treatment. It contrasts with χρῖσμα (khrîsma), which denotes the substance applied rather than the act.

References

Further reading

  • Aristotle, *Problemata* 966b35
  • Dioscorides, *De materia medica* 1.58
  • Josephus, *Antiquitates Judaicae* 2.14.3
  • Septuagint, Exodus 29
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