Main Entry: ¹cross

Pronunciation: \ˈkrȯs\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English, from Old Norse or Old Irish; Old Norse kross, from Old Irish cros, from Latin cruc-, crux

Date: before 12th century

1 a : a structure consisting of an upright with a transverse beam used especially by the ancient Romans for execution b often capitalized : the cross on which Jesus was crucified
2 a : crucifixion b : an affliction that tries one's virtue, steadfastness, or patience
3 : a cruciform sign made to invoke the blessing of Christ especially by touching the forehead, breast, and shoulders
4 a : a device composed of an upright bar traversed by a horizontal one; specifically : one used as a Christian symbol b capitalized : the Christian religion
5 : a structure (as a monument) shaped like or surmounted by a cross
6 : a figure or mark formed by two intersecting lines crossing at their midpoints; specifically : such a mark used as a signature
7 : a cruciform badge, emblem, or decoration
8 : the intersection of two ways or lines : crossing
9 : annoyance, thwarting <a cross in love>
10 a : an act of crossing dissimilar individuals b : a crossbred individual or kind c : one that combines characteristics of two different types or individuals
11 a : a fraudulent or dishonest contest b : dishonest or illegal practices —used especially in the phrase on the cross
12 : a movement from one part of a theater stage to another
13 a : a punch thrown over the opponent's lead in boxing b : an attacking pass in soccer played across the field from one side to the other or to the middle
14 : a security transaction in which a broker acts for both buyer and seller (as in the placing of a large lot of common stock) —called also cross-trade

[cross illustration]