To choose or nominate somebody for a leading or otherwise important position, especially formally or officially, or as an intended successor.
To smear or rub over with oil or an unctuous substance; also, to spread over, as oil.
To apply oil to or to pour oil upon, etc., as a sacred rite, especially for consecration.
To mark somebody as an official ruler, especially a king or queen, as a part of a religious ceremony.
To select (something or someone) for a specific purpose.
To distinguish, make obvious the distinction between (two things) or of (something).
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: to separate or isolate.