Hoplochrism

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: hŏpʹlōkrÄ­zm, IPA: /ˈhÉ’pləʊkɹɪzm/

Alternative forms

• hoplochrisme obsolete

Origin

Formed as -("weapon") + -o- + chrism ("consecrated oil mingled with balm”, “unguent"); equivalent to the Ancient Greek ὅπλον (hoplon, "weapon") + χρῖσμα (khrisma, "salve").

Full definition of hoplochrism

Noun

1. (rare, chiefly historical) The superstitious practice of applying a salve, ointment, or chrism to a weapon that has caused an injury — rather than to the injury itself — in the belief that doing so will heal the wound that the weapon caused; weapon salve.

Derived terms

• hoplochristical