pectoral cross

noun

: a cross worn on the breast especially by a prelate

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web In addition to his priestly robes, Pohlmeier wore a violet zucchetto, or skull cap, and a golden pectoral cross. Frank E. Lockwood, Arkansas Online, 30 May 2022 Reuters reports that the priest, who was dressed in black ecclesiastical vestments and a silver pectoral cross, shouted loudly enough for the pope to hear him. Grayson Quay, The Week, 4 Dec. 2021 But there was always another weapon in the archbishop’s armory in addition to his pectoral cross: humor. New York Times, 26 Dec. 2021 But the scene of the documentary is identical to the Televisa interview, including the yellow background, a chair in the corner and slightly off-center placement of the chain of Francis' pectoral cross. The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 Oct. 2020 In that melee, Bishop Silvio Báez, auxiliary bishop of Managua, was punched in the stomach as an assailant tried to steal his pectoral cross. José De Córdoba |, WSJ, 23 July 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pectoral cross.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pectoral cross was in 1728

Dictionary Entries Near pectoral cross

Cite this Entry

“Pectoral cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pectoral%20cross. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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