verb

• (transitive) To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
  "He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay."
• (transitive) To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
  "Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his [Aaron's] head and anoint him."
• (transitive, figuratively) To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
  "Unlike other previous Prelates, who were swiftly anointed bishops, Francis did not follow suit. Ocáriz remained a Monsignor. In the eyes of many observers, it was a demotion of Opus Dei."
• (transitive, historical) To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.