Extreme

The part which terminates a body; the outer verge or point of anything. (Logic.) This word is synonymous with term , when used in reference to a proposition. The subject and predicate are the two extremes of a proposition, the copula being, as it were, placed between them. In speaking of a syllogism, the extremes are understood to mean the extremes or terms of the conclusion. (Mus.) A word employed in describing those intervals in which the diatonic distances are increased or diminished by a chromatic semitone. Extreme'le , a . Infinite. Extremely, adv . To the utmost degree, or point. Extreme Unction, n. [Lat. extremus, last, unctio, an anointing. One of the seven sacraments of the Roman Catholic Church, founded on the pa age in the epistle of St. James: "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord." (v. 14.) The rite is called "extreme" unction because administered only to persons at the point of death. It is supposed to purify the soul of the dying person from any sin he may have committed, which has not been previously expiated by participation in the other means of grace, and to give him strength and grace for the last struggle. It is administered by the priest, who, dipping his thumb in the holy oil, anoints, the sick person in the form of the cro , upon the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, and feet, each time saying, "Through this holy unction, and his most tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou hast committed, by thy sight, (hearing, .) Amen." The holy oil is ble ed by the bishop with much ceremony every year on Maundy-Thursday. The Council of Trent pa ed several canons on this subject, declaring it to be truly and properly a sacrament instituted by Jesus Christ. Extrem'ist, n. One who maintains extreme doctrines or opinions.