Cross
(Cross) n. [OE. crois, croys, cros; the former fr. OF. crois, croiz, F. croix, fr. L. crux; the second
is perh. directly fr. Prov. cros, crotz. fr. the same L. crux; cf. Icel. kross. Cf. Crucial, Crusade,
Cruise, Crux.]
1. A gibbet, consisting of two pieces of timber placed transversely upon one another, in various forms,
as a T, or +, with the horizontal piece below the upper end of the upright, or as an X. It was anciently
used in the execution of criminals.
Nailed to the cross
By his own nation.
Milton.
2. The sign or mark of the cross, made with the finger, or in ink, etc., or actually represented in some
material; the symbol of Christ's death; the ensign and chosen symbol of Christianity, of a Christian people,
and of Christendom.
The custom of making the sign of the cross with the hand or finger, as a means of conferring blessing
or preserving from evil, is very old.
Schaff-Herzog Encyc.
Before the cross has waned the crescent's ray.
Sir W. Scott.
Tis where the cross is preached.
Cowper.
3. Affiction regarded as a test of patience or virtue; trial; disappointment; opposition; misfortune.
Heaven prepares a good man with crosses.
B. Jonson.
4. A piece of money stamped with the figure of a cross, also, that side of such a piece on which the
cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
I should bear no cross if I did bear you; for I think you have no money in your purse.
Shak.
5. An appendage or ornament or anything in the form of a cross; a badge or ornamental device of the
general shape of a cross; hence, such an ornament, even when varying considerably from that form; thus,
the Cross of the British Order of St. George and St. Michael consists of a central medallion with seven
arms radiating from it.
6. (Arch.) A monument in the form of a cross, or surmounted by a cross, set up in a public place; as, a
market cross; a boundary cross; Charing Cross in London.
Dun-Edin's Cross, a pillared stone,
Rose on a turret octagon.
Sir W. Scott.
7. (Her.) A common heraldic bearing, of which there are many varieties. See the Illustration, above.
8. The crosslike mark or symbol used instead of a signature by those unable to write.
Five Kentish abbesses . . . .subscribed their names and crosses.
Fuller.
9. Church lands. [Ireland] [Obs.] Sir J. Davies.
10. A line drawn across or through another line.
11. Hence: A mixing of breeds or stock, especially in cattle breeding; or the product of such intermixture; a
hybrid of any kind.
Toning down the ancient Viking into a sort of a cross between Paul Jones and Jeremy Diddler.
Lord
Dufferin.
12. (Surveying) An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
