Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

patonce

adjective
pa·​tonce | \pəˈtän(t)s\

Definition of patonce 

of a heraldic cross

: having the arms concave and expanding toward 3-pointed ends similar to but less recurved than those of a cross fleury —usually used postpositively — compare fleury, paty

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for patonce

probably modification of Middle French potencé having arms like a crutch, from potence crutch

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about patonce

Dictionary Entries near patonce

patola

patolli

Paton

patonce

Patos, Lagoa dos

patr-

Patras

Statistics for patonce

Look-up Popularity

Comments on patonce

What made you want to look up patonce? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

perforce

by force of circumstances

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Difficult Vocab Quiz

  • the-education-of-achilles-eugne-delacroix
  • Which is a synonym of discomfit?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Bee Cubed

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games