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Term used in Pentecostal, Charismatic and Renewal/Revival movements.

Old Testament Usage

[To] ANOINT describes the procedure of rubbing or smearing a person or thing, usually with oil, for the purpose of healing, setting apart, or embalming. A person can anoint himself, be anointed, or anoint another person or thing. [...] From ancient times the priests and kings were ceremonially anointed as a sign of official appointment to office, and as a symbol of God's power upon them.

New Testament Usage

Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit--just as it has taught you, remain in him.

The anointing is the Holy Spirit, given to all Christians (cf. John 14:26; Ephesians 1:13)

Other Usage
Note: In Word-Faith theology and some renewal and revival movements - notably the Toronto Blessing Movement - the term is used to describe someone who is said to have a special measure of spiritual power and authority. In their theology, the anointing is ever-increasing as long as one yields to God (and goes along with what is seen as "the current move of God"). It can also be imparted.

In some circles, such as Pentecostal and Charismatic churches, the term is used in the sense of "special," or "extraordinarily good" - as in "He is an anointed preacher," or "That was an anointed service."

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