crosss

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. A structure consisting essentially of an upright and a crosspiece, anciently used as a gibbet in punishment by crucifixion, now, in various reduced or representative forms, as a symbol of the Christian faith. There are four principal forms of the cross: the Latin cross, or crux immissa or capitata (the form supposed to have been used in the crucifixion of Christ), in which the upright is longer than the transverse beam, and is crossed by it near the top;
2. n. A structure or monument in the form of cross, or with a cross upon it, set up by the wayside, in market-places, etc., in Greek and Roman Catholic countries, to excite devotion. Such crosses are made in various forms, according to the occasion or purpose of their erection. Preaching-crosses are 86 generally quadrangular or hexagonal, open on one or both sides, and raised on steps. They were used for the delivery of sermons in the open air. See preaching-cross. Market-crosses consisted originally of a long shaft raised on a series of steps and surmounted with a cross. Subsequently an arched or vaulted structure supported on pillars was erected round the central shaft. See market-cross. Weeping-crosses were so called because penances were finished before them. Crosses of memorial, or memorial crosses, were raised on various occasions, as, for example, in attestation of some miracle said to have been performed on the spot. Another class is the monumental or sepulchral cross, erected over a grave, or where a corpse was set down on the way to burial, like those erected by King Edward I. at the several places where the corpse of his queen, Eleanor, rested in its progress from Lincolnshire to the place of interment in Westminster. The palm-cross was a monumental cross decorated with palm-branches on Palm Sunday. Boundary crosses were erected as landmarks.
3. n. A small cross with a human figure attached to it, as a representation of Christ crucified; a crucifix.
4. n. Something resembling a cross, or some device in the form of cross. Specifically— The mark of a cross made, instead of a signature, upon a deed or other document, by one who cannot write.
5. n. In England, formerly, any coin bearing the representation of a cross. The common reverse type of English silver coins from William I. to James I. was a cross.
6. n. The crucifixion of Christ; the sufferings and death of Christ as a necessary part of his mission; the atonement.
7. n. The Christian religion, or those who accept it; Christianity; Christendom.
8. n. Any suffering voluntarily borne in Christ's name and for Christ's sake.
9. n. Anything that thwarts, obstructs, perplexes, or troubles; hindrance; vexation; misfortune; opposition; trial of patience.
10. n. A mixing of breeds in the production of animals; an animal of a cross-breed.
11. n. In botany, a cross-breed in plants, produced by cross-fertilizing individuals of different varieties of the same species.
12. n. A four-way joint or connection in a wrought-or cast-iron pipe.
13. n. In electricity, the accidental contact of two wires or conductors belonging to different circuits, or of two parts of the same circuit, in such a manner that a portion of the current flows from one to the other. When such a cross exists between two lines or circuits, they are said to be cross-circuited.
14. n. In sporting, a contest decided dishonestly, through one of the parties allowing himself to be beaten, for the sake of gaining money by betting or bribery.
15. n. The scarlet lychnis, Lychnis Chalcedonica, from the form and color of the flower.
16. n. A society formed by clerical members of the extreme ritualistic section of the English Church.