Main Entry: ¹cru·sade

Pronunciation: \krü-ˈsād\

Function: noun

Etymology: blend of Middle French croisade & Spanish cruzada; both ultimately from Latin cruc-, crux cross

Date: circa 1708

1 capitalized : any of the military expeditions undertaken by Christian powers in the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries to win the Holy Land from the Muslims
2 : a remedial enterprise undertaken with zeal and enthusiasm