crossn.
/krɒs/, /krɔːs/, U.S. /krɔs/, /krɑs/α. Old English–1500s cros, Middle English croos, Middle English–1500s crose, Middle English–1600s croce, Middle English–1600s crosse, Middle English– cross. 963–84 Recd. of Gifts of Bp. Aðelwold to Medeshamstede in Birch Cartul. Saxon. III. 367 Of þam twam hundredum þe secæð into Normannes cros man ageaf, etc.c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 15667 He lette sone arere a muchel cros and mare.a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvi. 12 In þe crosse hyngand.c1380 J. Wyclif Sel. Wks. III. 109 Þe peple cryde, Do him on þe croos.1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Phil. ii. 8 The deeth of cross [many MSS. the cros].a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21637 Meracles o þe cros [Fairf. crossis, Gött. crois, Coll. Phys. croicis] might.1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 189 The deathe of the croce.1611 Bible (King James) John xix. 25 Stood by the crosse of Iesus.1654 J. Nicoll Diary (1836) 125 At the Mercat Croce of Edinburgh.1685 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 471 The true Crosse.
β. Middle English creoice, Middle English creoix, Middle English creoiz, Middle English croiz, Middle English croyz, Middle English (1500s Scottish) croice, Middle English (1500s Scottish) crois, Middle English (1500s Scottish) croyce, Middle English (1500s Scottish) croys. ?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 256 Falleð..ancros.?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 37 & þenne fouwer crosses.?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 18 Ancros.c1275 Old Eng. Misc. 50 Lyht adun of þe croyz.a1300 Leg. Rood 34 And boþe croys [c 1350 Þe twey croyses] eke þer-wiþ.c1300 Beket 1884 With croiz and with tapres.c1394 P. Pl. Crede 805 & on þe crois dyede.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 21792 Beside þe crois [Gött. croice, Vesp. cros, Coll. Phys. croȝ].1413 J. Lydgate Pilgr. of Sowle (1483) iv. xx. 67 He hanged..vpon the croys.c1450 Mirour Saluacioun 2491 How crist bere..the croice.
γ. Middle English–1500s cors, Middle English–1600s corss, Middle English– corse, 1500s corce, 1500s corsz. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 22 Wallace..ȝeid to the merkat cors.a1530 (c1425) Andrew of Wyntoun Oryg. Cron. Scotl. (Royal) v. l. 2648 Elane, that syne fand The Cors in to the Haly Land.1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay 29 The wisdome of the corsz.1533 J. Gau tr. C. Pedersen Richt Vay 44 Apone the cors.1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 363 (title) How Sanct Andro apperit, and of his Cors in the air.1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 363 Sanct Androis corce.1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 363 (title) Quhat that corss suld mene. 1615 [see sense 13]. 1786 R. Burns Let. 3 Mar. in Wks. (1834) VII. 334 Mauchline Cors. 1813 [see sense 7c].
Signification.
I. The instrument of crucifixion with its representations and figurative applications.
1. A kind of gibbet used by the ancients (and in later times by some non-Christian nations); a stake, generally with a transverse bar, on which they put to a cruel and ignominious death certain criminals, who were nailed or otherwise fastened to it by their extremities.The general sense does not appear in English so early as the specific (2), being mostly of modern occurrence in works on Ancient History: but early mention of the cross occurs also in Christian Martyrology and Saints' Lives. In the Vulgate crux is applied widely to any gibbet or gallows on which malefactors were hung, and is there also literally rendered cros, crosse by Wyclif.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > [noun] > crucifixion > cross
roodOE
crossa1382
cross-tree1626
society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > hanging > [noun] > gallows
gallowsOE
gallows-treea1000
warytre?a1200
gibbet?c1225
gallow-forka1250
forkc1275
juisec1320
forchesc1380
crossa1382
treec1425
patible1428
justice1484
potencec1500
haltera1533
turning-tree1548
potentc1550
three treesa1566
chates1567
mare1568
furel1587
bough1590
gibe1590
derrickc1600
hangrella1605
cross-tree1638
Gregorian tree1641
wooden horse1642
timber-marec1650
triple tree1651
furca1653
nubbing1673
a horse that was foaled of an acorn1678
nub1699
Tyburn tree1728
raven-stone1738
picture frame1785
crap1789
lamp-iron1790
Moll Blood1818
stifler1818
scragging-post1819
government signposta1828
leafless tree1830
shuggie-shue1836
doom-tree1837
stob1860–62
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Esther v. 15 Aman..comaundide to be maad redi an heiȝ cros.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Gen. xl. 19 Pharao shal..honge thee in the crosse.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21533 He fand tua crosses [Gött. croices].
a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 48 Andrew was..martired on a crosse.
1483 Cath. Angl. 84 To do on Crosse, crucifigere.
1741 Ld. Hardwicke et al. Athenian Lett. II. 115 Apollonides the physician was condemned to the cross, and executed just before we left Susa.
a1826 R. Heber Hymns Weekly Church Service (1827) 10 Twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, And mock'd the cross and flame.
1844 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece VIII. 205 The body of Cleomenes was flayed and hung on a cross.
2. spec.† b. by (God's) cross, as an oath. Obsolete.† c. A prayer used in the adoration of the cross. Obsolete.
a. The particular wooden structure on which Jesus Christ suffered death, believed to have consisted of an upright post, with a horizontal crossbar; the holy rood. (Often written with capital C.)The identical cross is believed by large bodies of Christians to have been found buried in the ground, by Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, in 326; hence, the legend of its finding or invention, the adoration of the fragments of it, and stories of miracles wrought by it, play an important part in the religious literature of the Middle Ages. In this connection the word is often qualified as holy Cross, real Cross, true Cross, Saint Cross. Stations, way of the Cross: see station n., way n.1 and int.1 The antecedent history of this sense in English is found under the earlier name rood n.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > biblical events > [noun] > crucifixion > instruments of crucifixion > the cross
roodOE
beamOE
rood-treeOE
treeOE
crouchc1000
holy roodOE
crossc1275
Holy crossc1290
gibbetc1450
cross patif1543
c1275 Old Eng. Misc. 48 Do a rode! do a rode!
c1275 Old Eng. Misc. 50 Lyht adun of þe croyz.
c1290 S. Eng. Leg. I. 3/78 Huy founden roden þreo..Þo nusten huy of þe þreo þo holie croyz þat huy souȝten ȝwich it miȝte beo.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xxi. 1 Crist..when he hyngid on þe crosse.
c1386 G. Chaucer Pardoner's Tale 623 By the croys [so 2 MSS., 3 cros, 2 crosse] which þat seint Eleyne fond.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 8507 Þe croce [Fairf., Trin. Cambr. cros; Gött. crois]..O ihesu crist.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xxi. vii Somme men say..that kyng Arthur..shal come ageyn & he shal wynne the holy crosse.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) John xix. 19 Pilate wrote a superscripcion and set vpon the crosse.
1598 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 1 i. i. 27 Those blessed feet..naild..on the bitter crosse . View more context for this quotation
1685 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 471 A little fragment (as was thought) of the true Crosse.
1782 J. Priestley Hist. Corruptions Christianity I. iv. 387 Images..according to the form of the venerable cross.
1844 ‘E. Warburton’ Crescent & Cross (1859) xxii. 239 The hole in the rock where the Cross stood.
1867 A. P. Forbes Explan. 39 Art. (1881) xxxi. 616 On the Cross, the full satisfaction was paid.
ΚΠ
c1420 Anturs of Arth. viii These knyȝtes are vn-curtas, by cros, and by crede!
1575 W. Stevenson Gammer Gurtons Nedle v. ii. sig. Eiiv Els had my hens be stolne..by Gods crosse.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > prayer > kinds of prayer > [noun] > in adoration of the cross
crossc1230
c1230 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Corpus Cambr.) (1962) 17 Oþer of þe creoiz sum oðer.
3. † b. to fall on cross, a cross, [= Middle High German an ein crütze vallen] : to fall cross-wise with outstretched arms, in supplication. Obsolete.
a. The sign of the cross made with the right hand, as a religious act. Cf. sign of the cross at sign n. Phrases 1.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > other practices > [noun] > sign of the cross
God's tokenOE
rood-tokenOE
crouchc1000
crossa1225
sign of the (holy) cross (also rood, etc.)c1300
taua1475
a1225 Leg. Kath. 728 Heo wið Cristes cros cruchede hire ouer al.
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 18 Markeð on ower muð ancros mid þeþume.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 18338 Þe lauerd lift hand..And on adam a croice he made.
?c1450 Life St. Cuthbert (1891) l. 781 Þe childe a crosse þar on made.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Publyke Baptisme f. ii* Then shall he make a crosse vpon the childes forehead and breste.
1817 W. Scott Harold v. xvi. 162 He signed the cross divine.
1861 H. W. Baker 'Tis Done; that New & Heavenly Birth ii 'Tis done; the Cross upon the brow Is marked for weal or sorrow now.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > request > make a request [verb (intransitive)] > with outstretched arms
to fall on cross, a cross?c1225
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 256 Falleð biforen ower weoued ancros to þe eorðe.
c1330 Arth. & Merl. 7315 Fel on croice..And seyd sir for Godes gras, Thine help.
4. † b. cross of Christ n. (also croscrist) the cross prefixed to the alphabet or cross-row n.; the alphabet itself as the first step in learning. Obsolete.
a. A representation or delineation of a cross on any surface, varying in elaborateness from two lines crossing each other to an ornamental design painted, embroidered, carved, etc.; used as a sacred mark, symbol, badge, or the like.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > artefacts > symbol (general) > Christian symbols or images > [noun] > cross > figure or representation of
roodOE
cross?c1225
crouch1389
signacle1440
society > communication > representation > physical representation of abstraction > symbolizing > [noun] > a symbol > specific symbols > cross
crouchc1000
tauOE
roodOE
cross?c1225
?c1225 (?a1200) Ancrene Riwle (Cleo. C.vi) (1972) 40 Þe clað in ham [sc. the windows] beo twaifold. blac þe clað. þe cros wit wið innen & wið vten..þus bi tacneð hwit cros þe warde of hwit chastete.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21678 O þat blisced lambs blod A cros was mad in signe o rode.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xiii. xi Therupon that sheld he made a crosse of his owne blood.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 266 Forbad also in paithment or in streit To mak ane cors quhair men ȝeid on thair feit.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 195 In a blew jacket with a crosse of redd.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 363 Shut up, with broad stones, & now & then a Crosse or Palme cut in them.
1700 J. Jackson 24 Apr. in S. Pepys Diary & Corr. (1879) VI. 218 His [the Pope's] slipper of crimson velvet, with a gold cross embroidered upon it.
1823 J. G. Lockhart Dragut in Anc. Spanish Ballads i The cross upon yon banner..It is the sign of victory—the cross of the Maltese.
1872 J. Morley Voltaire vii. 327 To write letters to his episcopal foe, signed with a cross and his name—‘+ Voltaire, Capucin indigne’.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > system of writing > alphabet > [noun] > the alphabet, allusively
cross of Christa1475
Christ's cross me speedc1475
cross-rowa1529
Christ-cross1563
Christ-cross-row1570
row1570
society > faith > artefacts > symbol (general) > Christian symbols or images > [noun] > cross > prefixed to alphabet
cross of Christa1475
Christ-crossc1475
a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 144 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 303 This lessoun schalle þy maistur þe merke, Croscrist þe spede in alle þi werke.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. gv To tourne agayne to their A. B. C. and lerne the crosse of Christ agayne.
c. to take (†fong or nim) the cross: to accept the sign or badge of a cross in ratification of a vow, to engage in a crusade.For the history of this see croise v.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > crusade > engage in crusade [verb (intransitive)]
to take (fong or nim) the crossc1290
crusade1732
c1290 Beket 7 in S. Eng. Leg. I. 106 Gilbert Bekat..him bi-þouȝte þe Croiz for-to fo In-to þe holie land.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (1724) 346 Roberd duc of Normandye þe croys nom atten ende, And ȝarked hym wyþ oþere to þe holylonde to wende.
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 226 Sir Edward toke the croice, for his fader to go.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 80 Baldwyn..preached, and exhorted men to take the Crosse.
1882 E. A. Freeman Reign William Rufus I. iv. §6. 562 Bohemond took the cross, and rent up a goodly cloak into crosses for his followers.
5. A model or figure of a cross as a religious emblem, set up in the open air or within a building, worn round the neck, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > artefacts > symbol (general) > Christian symbols or images > [noun] > cross > model or figure of
crouchc1000
crossc1275
beam1720
c1275 (?a1200) Laȝamon Brut (Calig.) (1978) l. 15667 He lette sone arere a muchel cros and mare.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xvii. xv One helde a candel of waxe brennyng and the other held a crosse.
1501 in S. Tymms Wills & Inventories Bury St. Edmunds (1850) 88 I bequeth to the parson of Berkhamstede a Seynt Antony crosse.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 801 The Byshops deliuered to the king..the Ball with the Crosse in his left hande.
1648 Ord. 29 Aug. in Scobell Acts & Ord. (1658) i. cxviii. 175 Worshippers of Images, Crosses, Crucifixes, or Reliques.
1878 E. Thompson Hist. Eng. iii. 16 At..Heavenfield..Oswald set up a wooden cross—the first Christian sign reared in Bernicia.
6. A staff surmounted by the figure of a cross, borne in religious processions, and esp. as an emblem of office before an archbishop.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > artefacts > implement (general) > staff > [noun] > surmounted by cross
crossc1290
cross-staffa1464
crosier1704
c1290 Beket 1848 in S. Eng. Leg. I. 159 Seint Thomas..to Caunterburi him drouȝ..With croyz and with taperes þe contreie a-ȝein him drouȝ.
a1464 J. Capgrave Abbreuiacion of Cron. (Cambr. Gg.4.12) (1983) 106 Prelatis with her crosses and croses.
c1465 Eng. Chron. (Camden) 94 Thomas Bourchier archebysshop of Caunterbury..wythe hys crosse before hym, went forthe..toward Londoun.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 75 A great contention arose..whether the Archebishop of Yorke might beare his Crosse in the Diocesse of Cauntorbury or no.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 386 Some of the religious Orders & fraternities sung..the lights, & Crosses going before.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles ii. xxii. 66 With many a torch-bearer before, And many a cross behind.
1849 D. Rock Church our Fathers II. 232 An archbishop is seen figured leaning on the staff of his cross.
7.
a. A monument in the form of a cross, or having a cross upon it, erected in places of resort, at crossways, etc., for devotional purposes, or as a devout or solemn memorial of some event, as a gravestone, and the like.Often also serving to indicate a preaching or meeting place, and qualified as market-, preaching-, weeping-cross, for which see these words.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > obsequies > monument > [noun] > monuments of other specific shape
crossc1420
cippus1667
bust1746
turban-stone1872
society > communication > record > memorial or monument > [noun] > structure or erection > cross
crossc1420
pillar cross1849
c1420 Sir Amadace xxx Quen he come sex mile the citè fro, A crosse partut the way a-toe.
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur iv. v He..rode longe in a forest tyll they came to a crosse, and there alyȝt and sayd his prayers deuoutely.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 677 Into Stanemure ane cors of stane wes set, Quhair the merchis of thir tua kingis met.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice v. i. 31 She doth stray about by holy crosses where she kneeles and prayes for happy wedlock houres. View more context for this quotation
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1643 (1955) II. 90 In the Way..faire Crosses of stone..carv'd with flowr de Lyces, at every fu<r>long's end.
1851 D. Wilson Archæol. & Prehistoric Ann. Scotl. iv. iv. 536 Memorial crosses graven with inscriptions in the Northern Runes.
b. spec. The monument of this kind occupying a central position in a town or village, formerly used as a centre for markets, meetings, proclamations, etc.; a market-cross.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > record > memorial or monument > [noun] > structure or erection > cross > in town or village
market cross1425
high cross1457
crossc1465
c1465 Eng. Chron. (Camden) 75 [Bp. Pocock] vtterly abiured, reuoked, and renounced the sayde articles opynly at Powles Crosse.
1553 in J. G. Nichols Chron. Grey Friars (1852) 80 The xix. day of [July]..was proclamyd lady Ma[ry to] be qwene of Ynglond at the crose in Cheppe.
1554 Chron. Q. Mary (Camden) 78 Ther preched at Poles crosse one doctour Watson.
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues at Sing Thou hast not cried it at the crosse.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) i. i. 131 To be whipt at the hie crosse euerie morning.
1702 London Gaz. 3869/3 The Mayor and all the Company went..to the two Crosses, where Bonfires were prepared.
1786 R. Burns Let. 3 Mar. in Wks. (1834) VII. 334 If foot or horse E'er bring you in by Mauchline Corses.
1833 W. Scott Rob Roy Introd., in Waverley Novels XV. 208 Birrell..reports that he was hanged at the Cross.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 480 The newly elected members went in state to the City Cross.
c. A marketplace, market. Now only local.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > trading place > market > [noun] > market-place
cheapc1000
cheaping-placec1175
cheaping?c1225
marketc1275
marketstead1373
marketplace1389
market set1552
trona1572
cross1577
vent1580
mart1593
emptory1656
market space1800
market stance1864
sale-market1883
1577 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) I. ii. xviii. 298 They begin to sell..by the bushell or two..therby to be seene to keepe the crosse.
1587 W. Harrison Descr. Eng. (1877) I. ii. xviii. 300 The crosses sufficientlie furnished of all things.
1724 A. Ramsay Tea-table Misc. (1733) I. 61 When ye gae to the cross then..Buy me a pacing horse then.
1813 E. Picken Misc. Poems I. 906 (Jam.) The cadies rang'd about the Corse For messages ay ready.
8. figurative. Used as the ensign and symbol of Christianity; the Christian religion, esp. when opposed to other religions. (In later use it becomes more figurative, as in messenger, preacher, servant of the cross: cf. 9) soldier of the Cross, warrior of the Cross: a crusader; hence figurative one actively zealous for the advancement of Christianity.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > sect > Christianity > [noun]
gospelc950
the WayOE
ChristendomOE
crossc1325
the faithc1384
Christianitya1400
Christenhoodc1443
Christ's professionc1475
Christianism1554
Xtianity1634
Christism1842
c1325 Poem Times Edw. II 249 in Pol. Songs (Camden) 334 Hii sholde gon to the Holi Lond..And fihte there for the croiz.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard II iv. i. 85 Streaming the ensigne of the Christian Crosse, Against blacke Pagans, Turkes, and Saracens. View more context for this quotation
1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. iii. viii. 83 Let us now take leave of the Countries, of the Half Moon..and return..into those of the Crosse.
1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. II. 99 Constantine, in acknowledgment of his signal victory obtained by the cross, was baptized on this spot.
1812 Ld. Byron Childe Harold: Cantos I & II i. xxxv. 25 Red gleam'd the cross, and waned the crescent pale.
1832 J. B. Waterbury in J. Leavitt Christian Lyne 191/1 Soldiers of the cross, arise.
1892 Q. Rev. Jan. 61 A Sufi..is, by profession, tolerant or even sympathetic in the presence of the Cross.
9. figurative. The crucifixion and death of Christ as the culmination of His redemptive mission, and the central fact of the Christian religion; the atonement wrought on the cross.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > Bible, Scripture > biblical events > [noun] > crucifixion
throwingeOE
rood-pinec1175
passionc1200
crossc1380
sacrificea1450
the Crucifixion1649
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 45 By þyn holy crois þu hast aȝen bouȝt þe world.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. i. 18 For the word of the cros is folye sothli to men perischinge.
1544 Letanie in Exhort. vnto Prayer sig. Bvv By thy crosse and passion..Good lorde deliuer vs.
1603 Const. & Canons Eccles. No. 30.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Cor. i. 18 The preaching of the Crosse . View more context for this quotation
1782 W. Cowper Progress of Error in Poems 622 The Cross once seen is death to every vice.
1845 G. A. Poole Churches iv. 27 The doctrine of the cross, as the one great rule and hope of the world.
1891 T. Mozley Son xxxvii. 232 Rome, which insists more on the cross than on the divine character, the divine life, and the divine teaching.
10.
a. A trial or affliction viewed in its Christian aspect, to be borne for Christ's sake with Christian patience; often in to bear, take (up) one's cross, with reference to Matthew x. 38, xvi. 24, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > piety > [noun] > trial or affliction to be borne
roodOE
crossc1384
society > faith > aspects of faith > piety > be pious [verb (intransitive)] > endure trial or affliction
to bear, take (up) one's crossc1384
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) Matt. x. 38 He that takith nat his crosse, and sueth me, is not worthi of me.
1528 W. Tyndale Obed. Christen Man f. cxxxv Marke what a crosse God sofered to fall on the necke of hys electe Iacob.
1549 R. Crowley Voyce Laste Trumpet sig. Aiii Though thou shouldest perishe for fode Yet beare thy crosse patientely.
1644–5 Direct. Publ. Prayer in Scobell Acts & Ord. (1658) i. li. 79 To pray for..the sanctified use of blessings and crosses.
1669 W. Penn (title) No Cross no Crown; a Discourse shewing..that the..daily bearing of Christ's Cross, is the alone way to the rest and kingdom of God.
1779 W. Cowper in J. Newton & W. Cowper Olney Hymns ii. lv. 248 We learn our lighter cross to bear.
1867 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighbourhood I. i. 3 A man had to take-up his cross.
1920 A. Huxley Limbo 184 You must try and be strong and bear it bravely. We all have our cross to bear.
1963 A. Heron Towards Quaker View of Sex iv. 40 They must practise self-denial and ‘bear their cross’.
b. In a general sense: A trouble, vexation, annoyance; misfortune, adversity; sometimes (under the influence of the verb) anything that thwarts or crosses. Cf. sense 27.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > state of annoyance or vexation > [noun] > cause of annoyance or vexation
thornc1230
dreicha1275
painc1375
cumbrance1377
diseasec1386
a hair in one's necka1450
molestationc1460
incommodity?a1475
melancholya1475
ensoigne1477
annoyance1502
traik1513
incommode1518
corsie1548
eyesore1548
fashery1558
cross1573
spite1577
corrosive1578
wasp1588
cumber1589
infliction1590
gall1591
distaste1602
plague1604
rub1642
disaccommodation1645
disgust1654
annoyment1659
bogle1663
rubber1699
noyancea1715
chagrins1716
ruffle1718
fasha1796
nuisance1814
vex1815
drag1857
bugbear1880
nark1918
pain in the neck (also arse, bum, etc.)1933
sod1940
chizz1953
the world > action or operation > adversity > calamity or misfortune > [noun] > misfortune or ill-luck > instance of misfortune or ill-luck > an untoward occurrence
adversity1340
contrariositiesc1425
contrarietyc1430
inconveniencya1450
inconvenient?a1475
inconvenience1490
unconvenient?c1536
traverse1538
cross1573
crossbar1582
1573 T. Tusser Fiue Hundreth Points Good Husbandry (new ed.) f. 7 To banish howse of blasphemy, least Crosses crosse vnluckely.
1593 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia ii. 195 Wishing unto me many crosses and mischances in my love, whensoever I should love.
1606 Bp. J. Hall Heauen vpon Earth 78 Crosses after the nature of the Cockatrice, die if they be foreseene.
1649 Bp. J. Hall Resol. & Decisions iii. vii. 295 Camillus..wished some great crosse might befall Rome for the tempering of so high a felicity.
1693 tr. J. Le Clerc Mem. Count Teckely iv. 10 If it has met with some Crosses of Fortune, it is not in a danger for all that to be overthrown.
1712 J. Arbuthnot John Bull Still in Senses x After all his losses and crosses.
1853 C. Brontë Villette III. xxxix. 232 Doubtless they knew crosses, disappointments, difficulties.
1866 Mrs. H. Wood St. Martin's Eve III. 19 Her usual crosses had been but light ones, which she scolded or talked away.
II. Any figure or object of this shape.† 15. The transept or cross aisle of a cruciform church. Obsolete.
11.
a. Any object, figure, or mark of the same shape as the instrument of crucifixion, i.e. of two bars or lines crossing each other, used as a sign, ornament, etc. †cross in the hands: a finger-post.For the various kinds of crosses, see sense 18.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > [noun] > anything lying transversely > part of a cross > a cross
crossc1400
X1545
Latin cross1797
crucifix1806
saltire1970
society > travel > aspects of travel > guidance in travel > [noun] > that which guides or leads > signpost or stone
Mercury's finger1589
signpost1597
mercurial statue1638
way-post1647
mercury1668
mercury's statue1684
mercurial stone1716
waywiser1725
guide-post1761
cross in the hands1762
fingerpost1762
guide stone1762
handpost1764
parson1785
fingerboard1793
direction-post1795
guide-board1810
signboard1829
handing-post1837
directing-post1876
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurg. 294 Wiþ an hoot iren make a cros upon þe middil of þe passioun as depe as þe deed fleisch is.
1547 in Vicary's Anat. Bodie of Man (1888) App. iii. 161 Euerye howseholder..which..hath bein vysyted with the plage..shall cause to be fyxed..A certein Crosse of saynt Anthonye devysed for that purpose, [etc.].
1563 W. Fulke Goodle Gallerye Causes Meteors iii. f. 45 Raynbowes..crosses, & diuerse lyghtes..by diuerse refractions and reflections of beames.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §494 They make a little Cross of a Quill.
c1660 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1643 (1955) II. 95 The body of the Church formes a Crosse.
1762 S. Foote Orators i. 17 A cross in the hands, with letters to direct you on your road.
c1771 S. Foote Maid of Bath i. 3 Pushing forth his..fingers like a cross on the hands to point out the different roads on a common.
1776 W. Withering Brit. Plants (1796) I. 296 4 petals, forming a cross.
1828 Jane Seaton (ed. 2) ix. 61 Her only ornament, a golden chain with a Cornelian Cross attached to it.
b. A similar mark or sign of small size used to mark a passage in a book, etc.; a mark made, in place of his signature, by one who cannot write.In the latter case originally belonging to 4.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > written character > punctuation > [noun] > asterisks, etc.
stara1382
crossc1400
windmill1402
asterisk1612
N.B.1651
asterisma1657
nota bene1738
society > communication > indication > that which identifies or distinguishes > personal identification > signature > [noun] > mark in place of signature
markOE
crossc1400
subscription1409
Christ-crossc1440
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §5. 5 The whiche lyne, from a lityl croys + in the bordure vn-to the centre of the large hole.
1546 J. Heywood Dialogue Prouerbes Eng. Tongue i. xi. sig. Eiiiv Now will I make a crosse on this gate.
1588 H. Oldcastle & J. Mellis Briefe Instr. Accompts sig. Fijv In the margent..yee shall set a crosse + which signifieth the error to rectify in the proper place.
1687 W. Sherwin in J. R. Bloxham Magdalen Coll. & James II (1886) (modernized text) 225 Charnock..crossed all their names. They..struck off their crosses.
1853 E. Bulwer-Lytton My Novel II. v. ix. 44 He sate..with his steel-pen in his hand, and making crosses here and notes of interrogation there.
c. A natural cross-shaped marking.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > animal body > markings or colourings > [noun] > cross-shaped mark
cross1824
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > [noun] > cross-shaped marking
cross1824
1824 T. Bewick Hist. Quadrupeds (ed. 8) 239 It has the Mule-cross on the withers like most of the Barbary Caracals.
1855 J. G. Wood Sketches Animal Life (ed. 2) 420 There is also a black mark running along the spine, and another crossing the shoulders, the two forming a cross.
12. A constellation within the Antarctic Circle, in which four bright stars are arranged somewhat in the figure of a cross; more fully Southern Cross.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > constellation > Southern constellations > [noun] > Crux Australis
crosier1555
cross1555
Southern Cross1681
crux1837
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 239v The starres cauled the Crosse, are seene very hyghe.
1555 R. Eden Disc. Vyages Butrigarius & Cabote in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 253.
1594 T. Blundeville Exercises iv. xix. f. 222v Ther ar lately found out..4. other images towards the south Pole, as the crosse or Crosier, the south triangle.
1671 J. Narborough Jrnl. in Acct. Several Late Voy. (1711) 48 A small black Cloud, which the foot of the Cross is in.
1700 S. L. tr. C. Schweitzer Relation Voy. in tr. C. Frick & C. Schweitzer Relation Two Voy. E.-Indies 353 We saw again the Northern Star to our great Joy; till then we had only the Southern Cross in sight.
1868 W. Lockyer & J. N. Lockyer tr. A. Guillemin Heavens (ed. 3) 333 The Southern cross—the pole-star of the South.
1892 R. Kipling Barrack-room Ballads 177 Where the lone wave fills with fire beneath the Southern Cross.
13. Formerly in Scotland: A signal (apparently originally a cross formed of two sticks charred and dipped in blood) sent through the district to summon the inhabitants: see crostarie n., fire n. and int. or fiery cross n.
ΚΠ
1615 Acts of Bailiary in G. Barry Hist. Orkney (1805) App. ix. 458 Ilk house and family shall carefully and diligently direct the corss..to his next neighbours, with ane sufficient bearer, for admonishing the people..to conveen.
1848 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. (1871) I. v. 269 The mysterious cross of yew, first set on fire, and then quenched in the blood of a goat, was sent forth to summon all the Campbells, from sixteen to sixty.
14. † b. The cross-piece dividing the blade of a sword, etc. from the hilt, and serving as a guard to the hand; the cross-guard. Obsolete.
a. A part of an anchor, hinge, or other object, which occupies a position transverse to the main part.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > [noun] > anything lying transversely > part of an object
cross1678
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ii. 17 When the Joynt..on the Tail is pin'd into the Joynt..in the Cross, the whole Hinge is called a Cross Garnet.
1709 London Gaz. No. 4570/4 Lost..a piece of Anchor, being the Cross and a peice of the Shank.
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > military equipment > weapon > sharp weapon > side arms > sword > [noun] > guard
cross1470
guard1596
ward1634
shell1685
bow1701
basket1833
cross-guard1869
cross-piece1869
hilt-guard1869
second guard1869
tsuba1889
knuckle-bow1895
1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. xxxix Kynge Marke..kneled adoune and made his othe vpon the crosse of the suerd.
1477 W. Caxton tr. R. Le Fèvre Hist. Jason (1913) 138 His swerd..into the paunche of the dragon vp to the crosse.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 4 Short arming Daggers of convenient forme and substance, without hilts, or with little short crosses.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > artefacts > division of building (general) > transept > [noun]
cross aisle1451
porch1522
transepta1552
plage1593
cross1658
1658 W. Dugdale Hist. St. Pauls Cathedral 160 And afterwards bestowed four thousands pounds in repairing of the South Cross.
1702 London Gaz. No. 3804/2 The House of Commons were seated..in the North Cross of the Abbey.
16. A surveyor's instrument; a cross-staff n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > earth sciences > geography > map-making > surveying > [noun] > surveying instruments > staff or pole > for taking off-sets
station staff1653
cross1669
station pole1775
offset staffc1791
station rod1791
cross-staff1874
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. ii. xiii. 81 Taking off one of the Crosses, and setting the Staff again.
1807 C. Hutton Course Math. (ed. 5) II. 56 The cross consists of two pair of sights set at right angles to each other, on a staff having a sharp point at the bottom, to fix in the ground.
17. Horse Riding. A ‘dumb jockey’ shaped like the letter X, buckled across the back of a young horse, and having the reins of the snaffle bridle fastened to it, to make him carry his head properly.
ΚΠ
1833 Regulations Instr. Cavalry i. ii. 74 In order to bring the horse to..carry his head properly..the cross may be used.
III. In Heraldry, Insignia of Knighthood, Numismatics, etc.† 20. Numismatics. The figure of a cross stamped upon one side of a coin; hence, a coin bearing this representation; a coin generally. Obsolete.
18.
a. Heraldry, etc. A conventional representation of the Christian symbol, or some modification of it, or of two crossing bars, used as an ordinary or charge, as an ornamental figure in art, etc.Numerous modifications of the form are recognized, some of them being used as religious symbols; the chief forms are: Greek cross n. an upright cross with limbs of equal length. Latin cross n. in which the lower limb is longer than the others. St. Andrew's cross n. or cross saltire n. a cross shaped like the letter Χ. cross of St. Anthony n. (also tau cross)in which the transverse bar lies on the top of the upright, like the letter Τ. Developments of these are the cross patée n. (or cross formée) in which the limbs are very narrow where they are conjoined, and gradually expand, the whole forming nearly a square. Maltese cross n. (also cross of Malta) cross of eight points n. a modification of the preceding, in which the extremity of each limb is indented. Subordinate forms are cross crossed n. a cross with each arm crossed, reaching the edges of the shield. cross of chains n. a cross composed of four chains fixed to a central annulet. cross of four leaves n. see quatrefoil adj. and n. cross of Jerusalem n. a cross having each arm capped by a crossbar. cross of Lorraine n. a cross with two horizontal arms, combining the Greek and Latin crosses. cross of St. Andrew n. see above; spec. the saltire-cross of Scotland, white on a blue ground. cross of St. George n. the Greek cross, red on a white ground, as used on the English flag. cross of St. James n. a Latin cross figured as a sword. cross of St. Julian n. a saltire cross having the arms crossed. Cross of Passion n. (also Cross of the Passion) Heraldry = Latin cross n.; cf. Passion cross n. at passion n. Compounds 2. cross of St. Patrick n. the saltire cross of Ireland, red on a white ground. cross of Toulouse n. a Maltese cross with a point projecting from each indentation. Buddhist cross n. the gammadion or fylfot, ?. capital cross n. a Greek cross having each extremity terminated in an ornament like a Tuscan capital. Capuchin cross n. a cross having each arm terminated by a ball or disc.; Celtic cross (see Celtic cross n. at Celtic adj. and n. Compounds 1); ansate cross, cabled cross, cross bezanty, cross flory, etc.: see these words.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [noun]
cross1486
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > in form of cross [phrase] > St. Andrew's cross
per saltire1562
in saltire1605
St. Andrew's cross1615
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [noun] > Passion cross
Cross of Passion1682
Passion cross1780
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > [noun] > anything lying transversely > part of a cross > a cross
crossc1400
X1545
Latin cross1797
crucifix1806
saltire1970
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > [noun] > other types of cross
potencec1460
cross patonce1562
entrailed1562
Avellan1610
Greek cross1725
Latin cross1797
pendall?1828
spindle cross1828
Irish cross1832
cross patée1844
Celtic cross1857
Teutonic cross1882
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. B iij b Cros fixyly, Cros paty Cros croslettis and Cros flory.
1486 Bk. St. Albans, Her. C j a The cros is the moost worthi signe emong al signys in armys.
1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie iv. i. 191 Called a Crosse Auvellane, for the resemblance it hath of a Philbert Nut.
1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 350 [They] doe mutually intersect themselues in the manner of a Saint Andrewes crosse, or this letter X.
1654 Ord. in H. Scobell Acts & Ord. (1658) ii. ix. 294 The Arms of Scotland, viz. a Cross, commonly called Saint Andrews Cross.
1682 J. Gibbon Introd. ad Latinam Blasoniam 76 A long Cross: Bara makes it like a Cross of Passion, that is, the Traverse beam a pretty deal below the top of the palar part.
1702 London Gaz. No. 3840/2 A Flag with St. George's Cross was displaied on the Tower.
1725 J. Coats New Dict. Heraldry (rev. ed.) Cross of the Passion..not crossed in the Middle but somewhat below the Top, with Arms short in proportion to the Length of the Shaft.
1797 T. Holcroft tr. F. L. Stolberg Trav. II. xlvi. 114 The long cross..has been called the Latin cross.
1844 F. A. Paley Church Restorers 15 A cross pattée between four lions combatant.
1866 J. E. Cussans Gram. Heraldry 15 Guillim mentions 39 different crosses,..and Robson no less than 222.
1869 J. E. Cussans Handbk. Heraldry (rev. ed.) iv. 57 No Ordinary is subject to so many modifications of form as the Cross.
b. per or in cross (Heraldry): in the form or figure of a cross.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > intersection > [adverb]
acrossa1250
crosswise1398
overcrossa1525
per or in cross1562
crossways1564
athwart1607
decussatively1658
cruciformly1834
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > charge: device on shield > cross > in form of cross [phrase]
per or in cross1562
society > communication > indication > insignia > heraldic devices collective > lines or edges > [adjective] > divided in two > quartered
quartled1480
quartered1486
per or in cross1562
escarteled1727
quadrated1810
1562 G. Legh Accedens of Armory (1579) 78 He beareth party per Crosse wauey Sable, and Argent.
1572 J. Bossewell Wks. Armorie ii. f. 37v Verte, fiue fermaulx in Crosse.
1610 J. Guillim Display of Heraldrie v. i. 238 He beareth parted per Crosse Gules and Argent.
19. A figure of the cross used as the ensign of a religious order of knights, as the Knights of Malta; hence widely adopted as a decoration in many orders of knighthood; also, a wearer of such a cross. Grand (†Great) Cross: a decoration of the highest class of such an order, or the person wearing it. Victoria Cross: a British decoration for members of the Army and Navy, instituted February 5th, 1856, as a reward for personal valour.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social class > symbol of rank > [noun] > insignia of order > specific insignia of knightly order
the Garterc1350
collar1488
star1602
blue ribbon1607
yellow ribbon1651
red ribbon1652
string1660
green ribbon1672
crossa1684
glory1693
cordon1727
O.M.1903
M.B.E.1917
OBE1917
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1651 (1955) III. 42 The Chevalier Paul..his..Malta Crosse esteem'd at 10 thousand Crownes.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1651 (1955) III. 42 A housse seméd with Crosses of the Order of the H. G. & floure de lyces.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) II. 444 Out of the 16 great crosses, the great master [of Knights of St. John] is elected.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. IV. 261 This prince had set his heart on some childish distinction, a title or a cross.
1887 Daily News 16 July 5/3 He is a Grand Cross of St. Vladimir.
1889 Whitaker's Almanack 97 The Most Honourable Order of the Bath..Military Knights Grand Cross.
1889 Whitaker's Almanack 98 Civil Knights Grand Cross..Honorary Knights Grand Cross.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > [noun] > a coin
minteOE
minteOE
crossc1330
coinc1386
cross and (or) pilea1393
penny1394
croucha1420
penny1427
piece1472
metal1485
piecec1540
stamp1594
quinyie1596
cross and pilea1625
numm1694
ducat1794
bean1811
dog1811
chinker1834
rock1837
pocket-burner1848
spondulicks1857
scale1872
chip1879
ridge1935
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > [noun] > coin bearing specific stamp
crossc1330
mill-rind1642
obley1688
ambrosin1753
overdate1951
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > [noun] > obverse or reverse of coin > device stamped on > specific
crossc1330
crouch1393
about-writingc1449
half-facea1549
legend1611
mill-rind1642
graining1664
adminicles1728
tressure1745
short-cross1870
long cross1904
c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 239 Edward did smyte rounde peny, halfpeny, ferthyng..Þe kynges side salle be þe hede & his name writen. Þe croyce side what cite it was in coyned & smyten.
a1420 T. Hoccleve De Regimine Principum 685 The feende, men seyne, may hoppe in a pouche, Whan that no crosse therein may appeare.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 211/1 Crosse of coyne, la croix d'une piece d'argent.
1594 T. Nashe Vnfortunate Traveller sig. C3 His purse was..I thinke verily a puritane, for it kept it selfe from anie pollution of crosses.
1638 T. Heywood Wise Woman i. i, in Wks. (1874) V. 281 Ile play the Franck gamester..I will not leave my selfe one Crosse to blesse me.
1669 J. Dryden Wild Gallant i. 8 I have not a cross at present.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ii. 43 She has been here a fortnight, and we have not yet seen the cross of her money.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield II. ii. 44 To come and take up an honest house, without cross or coin to bless yourself with.
1797 Sporting Mag. 9 312 Neither a bun to put in their belly, nor a cross to put in their pockets.
21. cross and pile n. (also cross or pile) [French croix et (ou) pile] † b. figurative. The two sides of anything; one thing and its opposite. Obsolete.† c. ‘Head or tail’, i.e. ‘tossing up’ to decide a stake, or anything doubtful, by the side of a coin which falls uppermost; ‘pitch and toss’; figurative a matter of mere chance, a ‘toss-up’. (Usually with cast, throw, toss.) Obsolete.† d. figurative. Pitch and toss. Obsolete.† e. adv.phr. By mere chance. Obsolete.
a. The obverse and (or) reverse side of a coin; head or tail; hence sometimes standing for: a coin, money. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > [noun] > obverse or reverse of coin
pilea1393
cross and pile1584
reverse1605
averse1655
ranverse1656
obverse1658
heads1675
tail1684
endorse1688
woman1785
mazard1802
man1828
mick1918
society > trade and finance > money > [noun]
silverc825
feec870
pennieseOE
wortheOE
mintOE
scata1122
spense?c1225
spendinga1290
sumc1300
gooda1325
moneya1325
cattlec1330
muckc1330
reasona1382
pecunyc1400
gilt1497
argentc1500
gelta1529
Mammon1539
ale silver1541
scruff1559
the sinews of war1560
sterling1565
lour1567
will-do-all1583
shell1591
trasha1592
quinyie1596
brass1597
pecuniary1604
dust1607
nomisma1614
countera1616
cross and pilea1625
gingerbreada1625
rhinoa1628
cash1646
grig1657
spanker1663
cole1673
goree1699
mopus1699
quid1699
ribbin1699
bustle1763
necessary1772
stuff1775
needfula1777
iron1785
(the) Spanish1788
pecuniar1793
kelter1807
dibs1812
steven1812
pewter1814
brad1819
pogue1819
rent1823
stumpy1828
posh1830
L. S. D.1835
rivetc1835
tin1836
mint sauce1839
nobbins1846
ochre1846
dingbat1848
dough1848
cheese1850
California1851
mali1851
ducat1853
pay dirt1853
boodle?1856
dinero1856
scad1856
the shiny1856
spondulicks1857
rust1858
soap1860
sugar1862
coin1874
filthy1876
wampum1876
ooftish1877
shekel1883
oil1885
oof1885
mon1888
Jack1890
sploshc1890
bees and honey1892
spending-brass1896
stiff1897
mazuma1900
mazoom1901
cabbage1903
lettuce1903
Oscar Asche1905
jingle1906
doubloons1908
kale1912
scratch1914
green1917
oscar1917
snow1925
poke1926
oodle1930
potatos1931
bread1935
moolah1936
acker1939
moo1941
lolly1943
loot1943
poppy1943
mazoola1944
dosh1953
bickies1966
lovely jubbly1990
scrilla1994
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > coins collective > [noun] > a coin
minteOE
minteOE
crossc1330
coinc1386
cross and (or) pilea1393
penny1394
croucha1420
penny1427
piece1472
metal1485
piecec1540
stamp1594
quinyie1596
cross and pilea1625
numm1694
ducat1794
bean1811
dog1811
chinker1834
rock1837
pocket-burner1848
spondulicks1857
scale1872
chip1879
ridge1935
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 172 Whose tunge nouther pill ne crouche may hire.
1584 R. Scot Discouerie Witchcraft xiii. xxx. 338 How to know whether one cast crosse or pile by the ringing.
a1625 J. Fletcher Chances v. ii, in F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Cccv/1 Compel'd with crosse and pile to run of errands.
a1683 A. Sidney Disc. Govt. (1698) iii. §xxx. 397 He had neither cross nor pile.
1718 J. Chamberlayne tr. B. Nieuwentyt Relig. Philosopher I. xvi. §16 If an equal Number of Pieces of Money were thrown up into the Air, the Chance of their falling Cross or Pile..would be equal.
a1856 H. W. Longfellow Friar Lubin ii To mingle..The goods of others with his own, And leave you without cross or pile.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > contrariety [phrase] > the two sides or one thing and its opposite
chalk1393
cross and pilec1450
spring and fall1578
light and shade1733
c1450 in T. Wright Polit. Poems & Songs (1859) II. 240 Crosse and pyle standen in balaunce; Trowthe and resoun be no thynge stronge.
1614 T. R. in T. Overbury et al. Wife now Widdow Countrey Newes sig. Gv That good and ill is the crosse and pile in the game of life.
1663 A. Cowley Cutter of Coleman-St. v. xiii. 68 I knew well enough 'twas you; what did you think I knew not Cross from Pile?
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > chance [phrase] > even chance or toss up
an even bet1591
cross and pile1597
an even break1911
a1327 Wardrobe Rolls Edw. II in Antiquarian Repertory II. 58 Item paie illoq a Henri Barber le Roi pour Denrs qu il a presta au Roi pur Jewer a cros a Pil de Donn v s.]
1597 1st Pt. Returne fr. Parnassus ii. i. 768 Schoolmaister, cross or pile nowe for 4 counters?
1647 E. Marbury Vox Turturis 23 They had a Custome, when buyer and seller could not agree, to..cast crosse and pile.
1672 W. Wycherley Love in Wood iii. ii I'll throw up cross or pile who shall ask her.
1685 Answ. to Duke of Buckingham on Liberty of Consc. 36 Thirdly, whether it be not Cross and Pile, whether a man who may be of any and of all Religions, will be of any, or of none at all?
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 39. ⁋48 There will be no fear of foul Play, if they throw up Cross or Pile who should be shot.
1798 T. Jefferson Writings IV. 227 The question of war and peace depends now on a toss of cross and pile.
ΚΠ
a1604 M. Hanmer Chron. Ireland 134 in J. Ware Two Hist. Ireland (1633) Safer to sit, then upon an Irish Pillion that playeth cross and pile with the rider.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > causation > chance or causelessness > [adverb] > randomly or haphazardly
into uncertain1382
uncertainlya1387
at adventure (also adventures)c1390
at or on six and sevena1398
auntersa1450
at all adventure (also adventures)1485
by hab or by nab1530
at rovers (rarely rover)c1531
hab or nab1542
hitty-missy1553
rovingly1583
haphazard1600
random1619
unsight, unseena1627
happy-be-lucky1633
cross and pile1648
temerariously1669
happy-go-lucky1672
à tort et à travers1749
randomly1765
chance-medley1822
haphazardly1832
willy-nilly1908
by guess and by God (or Godfrey)1931
1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. P6v Faire and foule dayes trip Crosse and Pile; The faire Far lesse in number, then our foule dayes are.
a1712 W. King Stumbling Block in Poems 50 The sceptics hypothetic cause..That cross or pile refin'd the chaos.
IV. Senses derived from cross adv.† 22. † 23. Cross-measurement. Obsolete. rare.
a. A crossing or crossed position: hence the adverbial phrase, on cross, o cross, a cross = crossed, crossing, crosswise: see across adv., prep., and adj., cross adv. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > intersection > in a crossed position [phrase]
a crossa1400
on crossa1400
on wrench?c1460
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 21693 He heild his hend on croice [Coll. Phys. o croice].
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. i. xxviii From those ij. prickes erect two perpendiculars, which muste needes meet in crosse.
1555 R. Eden Two Viages into Guinea in tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde f. 351 They [stars of the S. Cross] are not ryght a crosse in the moonethe of Nouember.
1642 Disput. betw. Devill & Pope (Brand) A taylor must not sit with legs on crosse.
1656 B. Harris tr. J. N. de Parival Hist. Iron Age i. ii. xi. 54 The King..stood not with his arms a cross.
b. on the cross: diagonally, obliquely across the texture, on the bias. (Cf. bias adj. 1.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > inclination > obliquely [phrase] > diagonally
on the cross1872
the world > textiles and clothing > textiles > textile manufacture > manufacture textile fabric or that which consists of > manufacture of textile fabric > treating or processing textile fabric > [adverb] > cut on the bias
bias1811
on the cross1872
on the bias1880
1872 Young Englishwoman Nov. 594/1 Bows of dark blue velvet cut on the cross.
1887 S. Baring-Gould Golden Feather iv. 9 The piece of carnation velvet cut on the cross for trimming Jessamy's bonnet.
1955 ‘C. Brown’ Lost Girls x. 107 The skirt was cut on the cross.
1968 J. Ironside Fashion Alphabet 79 Garments cut on the cross or bias have ‘give’ as the bias is stretchy.
c. Theatre. A movement from one part of the stage to another in acting.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > performance arts > drama > a play > [noun] > action as distinct from dialogue > types of
cross1838
pratfall1903
1838 Actors by Daylight 1 214 He was..well versed in all the crosses and recrosses necessary to impose on the million.
1896 G. B. Shaw in Sat. Rev. 16 May 502/1 At the end of each of his first vehement speeches, he strode right down the stage and across to the prompt side of the proscenium on the frankest barnstorming principles, repeating this absurd ‘cross’—a well-known convention of the booth for catching applause—three times.
d. Boxing. A blow that crosses over the opponent's lead. Also in extended use.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > fighting sports > boxing > [noun] > actions or positions
first bloodc1540
guard1601
feint1684
in holds1713
shifting1793
rally1805
muzzler1811
one-two1811
stop1812
southpaw1813
fibbing1814
leveller1814
mouther1814
ribber1814
stomacher1814
teller1814
in-fighting1816
muzzling1819
weaving1821
out-fighting1831
arm guard1832
countering1858
counter1861
clinching1863
prop1869
clinch1875
right and left1887
hook-hit1890
hook1898
cross1906
lead1906
jolt1908
swing1910
body shot1918
head shot1927
bolo punch1950
snap-back1950
counterpunch1957
counterpunching1957
Ali shuffle1966
rope-a-dope1975
1906 E. Dyson Fact'ry 'Ands xvii. 233 Ther revolvin' arm..got home a left lead 'n 'er right cross.
1938 D. Runyon Take it Easy 26 What she lays on his brow is a beautiful straight right cross.
1950 J. Dempsey Championship Fighting xxii. 144 The right cross, deadliest of all counter~punches, is used when a left-jabber becomes careless.
e. Association Football. A cross-pass.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > football > association football > [noun] > actions or manoeuvres
holding1866
hand-balling1867
left-footer1874
header1875
handball1879
goal kick1881
corner1882
spot kick1884
middle1899
clearance1920
cross-kick1927
cross-pass1929
body swerve1933
open goal1934
headball1936
chip1939
through-ball1956
wall pass1958
outswinger1959
cross1961
overlap1969
blooter1976
hospital pass1978
route one1978
sidefoot1979
top bin1999
ankle-biting2001
1961 Times 29 Sept. 4/3 They quickly turned the screw, with three goals—by Pointer, side-footing in Douglas's cross.
1962 Times 12 Mar. 3/2 Greaves failed to stroke home one of his crosses.
1968 Listener 23 May 682/1 For a high cross a well-trained full-back..is good enough—though not for the kind of calculated low cross George Best engineered for Billy Foulkes's decisive goal against Real Madrid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > breadth or width > [noun]
bredeeOE
widenessOE
wideOE
latitude1398
broada1400
broadnessa1425
largeness?a1425
breadth1459
width1570
largitude1590
cross1630
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 132 The Crosse of London is every way longer, than any you make in Paris..By this word Crosse, I meane, from Saint Georges in Southwark, to Shoreditch, South and North; and from Westminster to Whitechapell West and East.
24. The point where two lines or paths cross each other; a crossing, cross-way.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > junction of roads, paths, or tracks > [noun] > cross-roads
carfax1357
carfour1477
cross1546
cross-way?1556
quatervois?1575
four-way1598
four-crosswaya1645
crossing1695
four-went way(s1777
cross-road1812
cross-street1825
intersectiona1864
1546 Bp. S. Gardiner Declar. True Articles xv I..do the offyce of an hande, at a crosse, to saye this is the ryght waye.
1891 G. Meredith One of our Conquerors II. xii. 287 To drive two vessels at the cross of a track into collision.
25. The accidental contact of two lines or circuits so that a portion of the electric current is diverted or crosses from one to the other.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > electromagnetic radiation > electricity > circuit > [noun] > accidental contact
cross1870
1870 F. L. Pope Electr. Telegr. (1872) v. 63 The effects of weather crosses usually manifest themselves upon the occurrence of a shower.
26. The writing or marking by which a cheque is crossed.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > paper money > cheques and drafts > [noun] > writing or marking on crossed cheque
cross1876
1876 Ann. Reg. [51] The cross on the cheque did not restrain its negotiability.
27. figurative. A crossing or thwarting: cf. also 10b.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > [noun]
lettingOE
leta1175
marring1357
impediment1398
impeachment1432
unhelpc1449
interruption1463
impeach1511
hindrance1526
prevening1557
offence1578
cross1600
impedition1623
obstructing1641
impede1659
objectiona1667
bottleneck1886
dead wood1887
log-jam1890
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing ii. ii. 4 Any barre, any crosse, any impediment, will be medcinable to me..how canst thou crosse this marriage? View more context for this quotation
1621 R. Burton Anat. Melancholy i. iii. i. ii. 239 If abused an abuse troubles them long after, if crossed that crosse, &c.
1873 W. H. Dixon Hist. Two Queens IV. xix. vii. 40 Anne was suffering from a cross in love.
28.
a. An intermixture of breeds or races in the production of an animal; an instance of cross-fertilization in plants.
ΚΠ
1766 T. Pennant Brit. Zool. i. 8 Improved by a cross with the foreign kind.
1819 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto I lviii. 32 This heathenish cross restored the breed again.
1859 All Year Round 12 Nov. 58 The Bakewell..sheep..is..a creature from a series of judicious crosses of divers long-woolled breeds.
b. An animal or plant, or a breed or race, due to crossing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [noun] > cross-breeding or hybridism > hybrid or cross
mongrel1558
hybrid1601
centaur1606
mulatto1664
half-strain1673
cross1761
cross-breed1774
first cross1793
double-cross1810
quadroon1811
intercross1859
outcross1882
reciprocal1901
filial generation1902
monohybrid1902
vicinist1905
first filial (or F₁) generation1909
polyhybrid1910
back-cross1919
second filial (or F₂) generation1938
1761 Philos. Trans. 1760 (Royal Soc.) 51 834 The bird..is an accidental cross, as we sportsmen term it, between a pheasant and turkey.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales I. 253 This little feather-legged bantam..is certainly a cross from the grouse.
1868 Perthshire Jrnl. 18 June The large stock of black cattle and crosses.
1871 G. H. Napheys Prevention & Cure Dis. i. i. 47 The mulatto, a cross between it [the black race] and the white race.
c. figurative. An instance of the mixture of the characteristics of two different individuals; something intermediate in character between two things.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > [noun] > a mixture > of incongruous elements
participle?a1475
mongrel1582
centaur1606
mule1631
crossc1796
half-and-halfc1814
chimera1832
half-breed1846
hybrid1850
piebald1897
c1796 Miss Cranstoun in Lockhart Scott vii Walter Scott is going to turn out a poet—something of a cross I think between Burns and Gray.
1852 R. S. Surtees Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour iv. xxii. 112 [He] was a cross between a military dandy and a squire.
1891 E. A. Freeman Sketches Fr. Trav. 125 The west front, a cross between Wells and Holyrood.
29. slang. That which is not fair and ‘square’: dishonest or fraudulent practices. a cross: a contest or match lost by collusory arrangement between the principals; a swindle. on the cross: in a dishonest, fraudulent manner; to be or go on the cross: to be a thief, live by stealing. to shake the cross: to give up thieving.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > lack of principle or integrity > [phrase] > dishonestly
by stealth1390
on the cross1802
on the crook1879
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > [noun]
falsec1000
fraudc1330
barrat1340
faitery1377
defraudc1450
trumpery1481
covin1487
defraudationc1503
knavery1528
conveyance1531
imposture1537
defrauding1548
cozenage1583
impostry1585
catch-dolt1592
gullery1598
coggery1602
gullage1607
charlatism1611
impostury1615
quacksalvery1617
mountebankery1618
imposition1632
imposturisma1634
blaflum1637
charlatanry1638
defraudment1645
mountebankism1649
impostorya1652
impostorism1652
imposturage1654
impostery1656
mountebank1657
imposing1659
quackery1675
quackism1722
empiricism1774
cross1802
charlatanism1804
practitionery1818
cozenry1829
humbuggery1831
trick1833
thimble-shift1834
thimble-shifting1834
thimbleriggery1841
humbuggism1842
quackhood1843
quacksalverism1864
razzle-dazzle1928
spivery1948
shuck1958
shucking and jiving1969
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > cheating, fraud > [adverb]
fraudulently1474
fraudfullyc1480
fraudelously1481
knavishly1481
overreachingly1571
cozeningly1611
mountebankly1619
quacksalvingly1652
imposterously1657
sharkingly1659
upon the sham1689
on the cross1802
quackishly1816
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > collusion, intrigue > [noun] > corrupt manipulation > contest lost by
cross1802
1802 Sessions' Paper June 334/2 I got it on..the cross.
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 165 Cross, illegal or dishonest practises in general are called the cross, in opposition to the square..Any article which has been irregularly obtained, is said to have been got upon the cross.
1829 Chron. in Ann. Reg. 21/1 It was decided that it should be a decided ‘cross’.—That is, it was decided beforehand that the match was to be lost.
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair lv. 494 A conversation..about the fight between the Butcher and the Pet, and the probabilities that it was a cross.
1862 H. Kingsley Ravenshoe III. xi. 180 The young woman..may be on the cross.
1878 Tinsley's Mag. 23 300 Never to act on the square, but invariably on the cross.
1883 ‘M. Twain’ Life on Mississippi lii. 511 If I would shake the cross, (quit stealing) & live on the square for 3 months.
1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms I. xii. 163 It's the hardest earned money of all, that's got on the cross.
1915 A. Conan Doyle Valley of Fear ii. iii. 201 It's mum with me so long as I see you living on the straight... But, by gum, if you get off on the cross after this it's another story.
1917 A. Conan Doyle His Last Bow viii. 293 There's a stool pigeon or a cross somewhere, and it's up to you to find out where it is.
V. Elliptical uses.† 30. Short for cross-sail n., a square-sail. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid iv. viii. 21 Marynaris glaid layis thair schippis onder cros.
1513 G. Douglas tr. Virgil Æneid v. xiv. 3 Heis heich the cros.
31. Irish History. = cross-land n.
ΚΠ
1612 J. Davies Discouerie Causes Ireland 144 The Kinges Writt did not run in those Counties..but onely in the Church Lands lying within the same, which were called the Crosse, wherein the K. made a Sheriffe: And so, in each of these Counties Palatines there were two Sheriffes; One, of the libertie; & another of the Crosse.
1879 J. R. O'Flanagan Munster Circuit 3 They could hear and determine all complaints throughout the province of Munster, and the crosses and liberties of Tipperary and Kerry.
Compounds
See cross- comb. form 1a.
Draft additions June 2016
cross burning n. U.S. the act or practice of burning a large wooden cross, esp. publicly as an intimidatory tactic, typically associated with the Ku Klux Klan; cf. fiery cross n. 2.
ΚΠ
1924 Sun (Baltimore) 4 Apr. 1/3 The cross-burning caused a stir among Columbia students today.
1963 High Point (N. Carolina) Enterprise 1 Sept. 1/7 There were about 30 hooded and robed Klan members, both men and women, who took part in the cross burning.
1993 K. L. Karst Law's Promise, Law's Expression iv. 97 The Court struck down a city ordinance criminalizing various kinds of hate ‘speech’ (including cross burning, the painting of swastikas, and the like).
2015 Wisconsin State Jrnl. (Nexis) 26 July d3 Could a cross-burning on someone's front lawn by the Ku Klux Klan be considered ‘Christian terrorism’?
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
crossadj.
/krɒs/, /krɔːs/, U.S. /krɔs/, /krɑs/No clear line can be drawn between this and various uses of cross- comb. form in combination, the employment of the hyphen being in many cases unfixed. See cross- comb. form 1b(a), 1b(b), 1c(d).† 2. Diagonally opposite in position (as in a quadrilateral). Obsolete. rare. Cf. cross-corner n.
1. figurative.1826 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey II. iii. viii. 135 How many cross interests baffle the parties.1848 J. S. Mill Princ. Polit. Econ. iii. vii. §1 It is easier to ascertain..the relations of many things to one thing, than their innumerable cross relations with one another.1868 M. Pattison Suggestions Acad. Organisation v. 146 Our position will not be confused by a cross issue.figurative.1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 91 The second is called Cross, so are its methods cross and intricate.
a. Lying or situated athwart the main direction; transverse; passing from side to side. Also said figuratively of things to which spatial relations are transferred.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > [adjective]
overthwart1228
thwart-overa1387
transversaryc1400
thwart1404
thwartingc1430
transversalc1440
transversantc1440
traversea1450
thorter1488
cross1523
overthwarting1552
traversed1561
traversing1561
transverse1621
overcrossa1661
transverseda1711
crossway1865
crosswise1903
1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Surueyeng xx. f. 35v Buylded, with two crosse chambres of stonne.
1570 Act 13 Eliz. c. ii §2 Vessels with cross Sails.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 42 Through crosse blynd allye we iumble.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) i. iii. 50 The crosse blew Lightning.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 252 Tying the String to the Cross-stick.
1761 F. Sheridan Mem. Miss Sidney Bidulph III. 255 The road for carriages between the two houses, being a cross one, was very bad.
1867 A. Barry Life & Wks. Sir C. Barry vi. 230 The cross roofs connecting them with the main building.
b. Passing or lying athwart each other; crossing, intersecting.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > intersection > [adjective] > crossing or crossed over each other
acrossed1550
cross1602
incrossed1606
criss-cross1614
diallel1658
crossed1834
intercrossing1859
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida Induct. sig. A3v As crosse as a pair of Tailors legs.
a1620 M. Fotherby Atheomastix (1622) ii. xi. §2. 313 They runne in crosse courses; and yet doe not crosse one another, in their courses.
1653 Cloria & Narcissus 84 To sit with his armes crosse, looking up at the heavens.
1693 R. Bentley Boyle Lect. vii. 23 Ships..must needs encounter, when they either advance towards one another in direct lines, or meet in the intersection of cross ones.
1756 G. Smith tr. Laboratory (new ed.) II. ii. 31 This is generally performed by little cross etchings, one over another.
1830 E. S. N. Campbell Dict. Mil. Sci. 231 The honorable badge of a Regimental Colour supported by two cross Swords.
c. Of the wind: Blowing across the direct course, contrary. Also figurative. (See cross-wind n.) Sometimes with a blending of sense 4: adverse.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > [adjective] > blowing across course
crossa1617
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of wind > [adjective] > types of wind for sailing
fairlOE
contraryc1384
favourablec1460
prosperous1555
scant1600
crossa1617
baffling1778
adverse1807
following1839
a1617 P. Baynes Comm. Ephes. (1658) 49 Every wind, even the crossest shall help us to the haven.
1676 H. Teonge Diary (1825) 195 The wind crosse and very high all these days.
1763 S. Johnson Let. 14 July (1992) I. 224 You are not to imagine that my friendship is light enough to be blown away by the first cross blast.
d. Of the sea: said when the waves run athwart the direction of the wind, or when two sets of waves cross each other, owing to change of wind. Also cross-surge, cross-swell. cross tide n. a tide running across the direction of another.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > tide > type of tide > [noun]
counter-tide1570
night-tide1600
day tidea1615
cross tide1675
ocean tide1771
the world > the earth > water > flow or flowing > state of sea > [adjective] > cross
cross-running1637
cross1675
1675 W. Temple Let. to Sir J. Williamson in Wks. (1731) II. 336 I chose this Conveyance by the Captain of the Yacht, as both surer and speedier too, if not hindred by cross Tides in the River.
1823 W. Scoresby Jrnl. Voy. Northern Whale-fishery 375 A mountainous sea, rendered awfully heavy and cross by the sudden changing of the wind.
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. xiv. 133 In the cross-swell of two steamers.
1866 Daily Tel. 18 Jan. 4/3 The terrific cross-sea constantly broke over her.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Cross-sea, a sea not caused by the wind then blowing.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Cross-swell, this is similar to a cross-sea, except that it undulates without breaking violently.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Cross-tide, the varying directions of the flow amongst shoals that are under water.
1891 R. Kipling Light that Failed xv. 311 A boisterous little cross-swell swung the steamer disrespectfully by the nose.
1899 R. Kipling Five Nations (1903) 9 'Twixt wrench of cross-surges or plunge of head-gale.
1903 Q. Rev. Apr. 486 Like vortices upon a surface of water swept by violent cross-tides.
e. Cricket. Of the bat: held in a more or less horizontal position by the batter while playing a shot. Cf. cross- comb. form 1c(c).
ΚΠ
1871 F. Gale Echoes Cricket Fields v. 25 If you hit her you could only do it with a cross bat.
1891 W. G. Grace Cricket viii. 224 Playing with a straight bat is more likely to protect your wicket than playing with a cross bat.
1928 Daily Express 12 Nov. 3/4 One amazing cross-bat shot, head high..over cover's head to the boundary.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > opposite position > [adjective] > diagonally
cross1646
1646 Sir T. Browne Pseudodoxia Epidemica iii. v. 115 The progression of quadrupeds being performed per Diametrum, that is the crosse legs moving or resting together. View more context for this quotation
3. Contrary, opposite, opposed (to each other, or to something specified). (Now rarely predicative.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > contrariety or contrast > [adjective]
contrarious1340
contraryc1340
contrairc1400
repugnant1425
reverse1481
contrariant1530
cross1565
obversant1579
thwart1601
retrogradea1616
pugnant1645
antipathic1830
antithetical1848
1565 J. Calfhill Aunswere Treat. Crosse f. 28 I am ashamed of your too crosse and ouerthwart proues.
1602 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law i. Introd. 5 There is nothing in it which to the Law of God is crosse or opposite.
1631 T. May tr. J. Barclay Mirrour of Mindes ii. 220 Where they begin a little to differ, they will afterwards be crosse in all things from those men.
1646 E. Fisher Marrow Mod. Divin. (ed. 2) 24 As if he were reduced to..straits..by the crosse demands of his severall attributes.
1673 H. Hickman Hist. Quinq-articularis 465 Is this Election cross to that of the Calvinists?
a1787 R. Lowth Serm. & Remains (1834) 414 Giving me answers so very cross to the purpose.
1866 H. Bushnell Vicarious Sacrifice iii. iv. 307 It is cross to our humanly selfish habit.
4. Of events, circumstances, or fortune: Adverse, opposing, thwarting; contrary to one's desire or liking; unfavourable, untoward.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [adjective] > unfavourable
contrariousc1320
bada1325
contraryinga1340
adversea1393
frowarda1400
contrairc1400
fremd1423
adversant?a1425
sinister1432
perversea1450
undisposed1456
sinistral?a1475
contrary1477
favourless1509
unfriendlya1513
thwarting1530
wayward?1544
contrariant1548
disfavourable1561
cross1565
unindifferent1565
sinistrous1566
haggard1578
unkindly1579
backward1582
awkward1587
improsperous1598
thwart1610
unpropitious1613
averted1619
untoward1621
averse1623
impropitious1638
sinister1726
unfavourable1748
untowardly1756
unfavouring1835
1565 J. Calfhill Aunswere Treat. Crosse f. 47v For when the Crosse was most magnified, we had Crosse luck among.
1592 A. Day 2nd Pt. Eng. Secretorie sig. L2, in Eng. Secretorie (rev. ed.) Frame your selfe to forbeare all other crosse matters.
1607 T. Dekker & J. Webster North-ward Hoe ii. sig. C2v Such crosse fortune!
1676 J. Dryden Aureng-Zebe iii. 33 With Fate so cross, One must be happy by the others loss.
1690 W. Walker Idiomatologia Anglo-Lat. 126 We had such cross weather.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World ii. 139 We had but a cross Voyage..having contrary Winds..and sometimes bad Weather.
1780 F. Burney Lett. 14 Dec. Some..cross accident for ever frustrates my rhetorical designs.
5. Of persons, their dispositions, actions, etc.:† a. Given to opposition; inclined to quarrel or disagree; perverse, froward, contrarious. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > obstinacy or stubbornness > [adjective] > perverse
wharfedc1175
thwart-over?c1225
fromwardc1275
thwarta1325
wilgernc1325
contrariousa1340
froward1340
rebours1340
awaywarda1375
overthwartc1384
protervec1384
waywardc1384
arsewardc1386
wrawc1386
wrawfulc1386
crabbeda1400
ungraitha1400
wraweda1400
awklyc1400
perversec1425
awkc1440
perversiosec1475
crooked1508
wrayward1516
awkward1530
difficilec1533
peevish1539
protervous1547
overthwarting1552
untowardly1561
difficult1589
cross1594
cama1600
frowish1601
awkwardish1613
haggardly1635
pigheadeda1637
cross-grained1647
wry1649
crossfulc1680
thwarting1718
kim-kama1734
wronghead1737
piggish1742
witherly1790
top-thrawn1808
contrary1850
cussed1858
three-cornered1863
thwarteous1890
bloody-minded1935
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus ii. iii. 53 Be crosse with him, and Ile goe fetch thy sonnes To backe thy quarrels. View more context for this quotation
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III iii. i. 126 My Lo: of Yorke will still be crosse in talke. View more context for this quotation
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 304 No man..vnto his friends more friendly, or vnto his enemies more crosse and contrarie.
1685 R. Baxter Paraphr. New Test. Matt. xi. 16–17 You are cross to us whatever game we play.
1770 S. Foote Lame Lover ii. 39 I hope you won't go for to tell him... Charlot. Indeed, Sir, but I shall... Jack. No, sister, I'm sure you won't be so cross.
1851 C. L. Smith tr. T. Tasso Jerusalem Delivered iv. xxi How vain are all thy judgements, and how cross.
b. Ill-tempered, peevish, petulant; in an irritable frame of mind, out of humour, vexed. (colloquial).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > ill-naturedness > [adjective]
stour1303
thwarta1325
elvishc1386
wrawc1386
wrawfulc1386
crabbeda1400
crousea1400
cursedc1400
doggeda1425
currishc1460
disagreeable1474
dour1488
thrawn1488
terne?1507
apirsmarta1522
crustyc1570
incommodious1570
bilious1571
mischievous-stomached1577
thrawn-faced1578
thrawn-mowit1578
wearisha1586
shrewish1596
rhubarbative1600
crabbish1606
ill-tempereda1616
cur-like1627
thrawn-faceda1628
terned1638
cross1639
splenial1641
frumpish1647
wry1649
bad-tempered1671
hot-tempered1673
sidy1673
ugly1687
ornery1692
cankerya1699
ramgunshoch1721
cantankerousc1736
frumpy1746
unhappy1756
grumpy1778
crabby1791
grumpish1797
thraw-gabbit18..
snarlish1813
cranky1821
stuntya1825
ill-natured1825
nattery1825
rantankerous1832
foul-tempered1835
cacochymical1836
as cross as two sticks1842
grumphy1846
knappy1855
carnaptious1858
cussed1858
three-cornered1863
snotty1870
sniffy1871
snorty1893
grouchy1895
scratchy1925
tight1950
stroppy1951
snitty1978
arsey1989
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > ill humour > [adjective] > in an ill humour
maltalenta1578
in a jeer1579
in suds1611
sullen-sick1614
in the pouts1615
out of sorts1621
cross1639
off the hooks1662
huff1714
sulkinga1777
as cross as a bear1838
sore-headed1844
sore-head1862
baity1921
1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events ii. xvi. 341 The stepmother beholdes me with crosse lookes.
1676 W. Wycherley Plain-dealer iii. i If she gives me but a cross word, I'll leave her to-night.
1711 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 17 Nov. (1948) II. 415 I just heard of the stir as my letter was sealed..and was so cross I would not open it to tell you.
1771 F. Burney Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1988) I. 159 He is equally ugly & cross.
1813 J. Austen Pride & Prejudice III. i. 9 I have never had a cross word from him in my life. View more context for this quotation
1834 F. Marryat Jacob Faithful I. viii. 149 I can't bear to be cross to him.
1860 G. A. Sala Lady Chesterfield's Lett. 43 The crossest of old maids.
c. as cross as two sticks (with play on sense 1b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > ill-naturedness > [adjective]
stour1303
thwarta1325
elvishc1386
wrawc1386
wrawfulc1386
crabbeda1400
crousea1400
cursedc1400
doggeda1425
currishc1460
disagreeable1474
dour1488
thrawn1488
terne?1507
apirsmarta1522
crustyc1570
incommodious1570
bilious1571
mischievous-stomached1577
thrawn-faced1578
thrawn-mowit1578
wearisha1586
shrewish1596
rhubarbative1600
crabbish1606
ill-tempereda1616
cur-like1627
thrawn-faceda1628
terned1638
cross1639
splenial1641
frumpish1647
wry1649
bad-tempered1671
hot-tempered1673
sidy1673
ugly1687
ornery1692
cankerya1699
ramgunshoch1721
cantankerousc1736
frumpy1746
unhappy1756
grumpy1778
crabby1791
grumpish1797
thraw-gabbit18..
snarlish1813
cranky1821
stuntya1825
ill-natured1825
nattery1825
rantankerous1832
foul-tempered1835
cacochymical1836
as cross as two sticks1842
grumphy1846
knappy1855
carnaptious1858
cussed1858
three-cornered1863
snotty1870
sniffy1871
snorty1893
grouchy1895
scratchy1925
tight1950
stroppy1951
snitty1978
arsey1989
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy ii. 24 The renowned O'Grady was according to her account as cross as two sticks.
1855 Ld. Houghton Let. in T. W. Reid Life Ld. Houghton (1890) I. xi. 518 [He] has been as cross as two sticks at not having been asked to dinner at Court.
6.
a. Involving interchange or reciprocal action.Apparently not used predicatively, and often hyphenated as a case of combination (which is preferable). cross marriage n. the marriage of a man to the sister of his sister's husband.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > correlation > [adjective] > interactive
cross1539
interactive1832
interworking1836
intercommunicate1846
intercommunicated1853
interacting1855
intro-active1855
interactional1886
society > society and the community > kinship or relationship > marriage or wedlock > types of marriage custom or practice > [noun] > marriage between relations
cross marriage1539
intermarriage1882
cross-cousin marriage1889
1539 T. Cromwell in R. B. Merriman Life & Lett. T. Cromwell (1902) II. 175 To induce and persuade the kinges hieghnes..to make a crosse maryage bitwen the yong duke of Cleves and my lady Mary.
1581 W. Lambarde Eirenarcha i. xviii. 155 In some cases there may be a double or crosse restitution awarded.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1590) ii. vi. sig. S1 Euarchus made a crosse mariage also with Dorilaus his sister.
1664 J. Dryden Rival Ladies i. i. 7 For hapning both to Love each others Sisters, They have concluded it in a cross Marriage.
1876 T. Le M. Douse Grimm's Law xxxix. 81 The..phenomenon of a cross-transfer of a foreign sound to native words and a native sound to foreign words.
b. Book-keeping. Applied to accounts between two parties each of which has claims upon the other; also, to formal entries transferring amounts from one account to another, or made on opposite sides of an account so as to neutralize each other. (Here also cross- is more usually hyphenated.)
ΚΠ
1893 W. E. Gladstone Speech in Comm. 12 Feb. We hope to escape cross accounts and cross payments on revenue accounts [i.e. between Imperial and Irish revenue].
7. Of animals and plants: Cross-bred; hybrid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [adjective] > cross-breeding or hybridization
bigenerous1610
hybridan1623
mongrel1633
hybridous1691
mule1728
hybrid1775
cross-bred1856
hybridizablea1864
paragenesic1864
hybridized1872
cross1886
monohybrid1903
outbred1903
intergeneric1921
polyhybrid1922
reticulate1938
trihybrid1941
inter-strain1950
1886 York Herald 7 Aug. 1/3 Sale of Cross Lambs.
1888 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Robbery under Arms I. ii. 22 ‘Clearskins’ and ‘cross’ beasts.
8. slang. Dishonest; dishonestly come by. (Opposed to square or straight.) Cf. crooked adj. 3b, and cross n. 29.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > dishonesty > dishonest person > [adjective]
unjustc1400
bribing1530
unhonest1545
subornate1548
sinistrous1600
sinistruous1601
horse-fair1606
under-honest1609
left-handed1615
leer1631
dishonest1752
cross1819
one-eyed1833
crook1911
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > crookedness > [adjective] > dishonestly obtained
cross1819
crooked1864
society > morality > moral evil > lack of principle or integrity > [adjective] > dishonest
manOE
unjustc1400
bribing1530
unhonest1545
makeshift1592
sinistrous1600
horse-fair1606
under-honest1609
dishonest1611
one-eyed1833
shystering1860
cross1882
crook1911
bent1914
fly-by-night1914
crookish1927
shyster1943
shonky1970
the mind > possession > acquisition > [adjective] > obtained or acquired > by irregular means
crooked1864
cross1892
kinky1927
hot-stuffed1929
scrounged1941
organized1957
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. 165 Any article which has been irregularly obtained..is emphatically termed a cross article.
1882 Sydney Slang Dict. 3/1 Cross cove, a thief.
1882 Sydney Slang Dict. 10/2 Four deaners for lush for the cross coves and their blowers.
1890 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Miner's Right II. xv. 62 He believed all the ‘cross boys’ of all the colonies were congregated here.
1892 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Nevermore I. ix. 168 ‘Selling him a cross horse as any man might have knowed was too good for them to own on the square.’
1892 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Nevermore I. x. 179 ‘He don't know a cross cove from a straight 'un.’
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
crossv.
/krɒs/, /krɔːs/, U.S. /krɔs/, /krɑs//krɒst//krɔːst/;ΘΚΠ
society > authority > punishment > capital punishment > execute [verb (transitive)] > crucify
ahangOE
hangc1000
crucify1382
croisea1400
crossa1400
crucifix1484
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 24354 [He] þat crossed was, was al mi care.
c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) lii. 232 Now Criste is i-bounde, scorgide, ande crosside.
a1557 J. Cheke tr. Gospel St. Matthew (1843) xxvi. 2 Ye son of man schal be deliverd to be crossed.
a1557 J. Cheke tr. Gospel St. Matthew (1843) xxvii. 30 Yei..caried him awai to be crossed.
2.
a. To make the sign of the cross upon or over.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > other practices > carry out other practices [verb (transitive)] > make the sign of the cross > make the sign of the cross on
saina900
blessc950
markOE
croucha1225
croise?c1225
signc1300
crossc1430
bemark1544
becross1565
c1430 Pilgr. Lyf Manhode (1869) i. xi. 8 Thilke shal also crosse thee.
c1440 J. Capgrave Life St. Katherine iv. 1318 The mayde..crossed hir hed, hir mowth and hir brest.
1547 A. Borde Breuiary of Helthe ii. f. vv I..weke of fayth & aferde crossed my selfe.
1549 Bk. Common Prayer (STC 16267) Confirmacion f. xii* Then the Busshop shal crosse them in the forehead.
1608 Bp. J. Hall Characters Vertues & Vices ii. 87 This man dares not stirre foorth till his brest be crossed, and his face sprinckled.
1719 D. Defoe Farther Adventures Robinson Crusoe 131 They cross'd it, and bless'd it.
1827 O. W. Roberts Narr. Voy. Central Amer. 228 He crossed himself, and expressed much surprise.
1867 J. G. Whittier Brother of Mercy in Tent on Beach 73 The pale monk crossed His brow.
b. to cross a fortune-teller's hand with silver: to describe crossing lines on her hand with a silver coin given by the consulter: hence to give money to.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > expectation > foresight, foreknowledge > prediction, foretelling > fortune-telling > tell someone's fortune [verb (transitive)] > give money
to cross a fortune-teller's hand with silver1766
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 130. ¶1 An honest Dairy-maid who crosses their Hands with a Piece of Silver every Summer.
1766 O. Goldsmith Vicar of Wakefield I. x. 90 A fortune-telling gypsey..no sooner appeared, than my girls came running to me for a shilling a piece to cross her hand with silver.
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 54 Crossing their hands with coin..How quak'd the young to hear what things they knew.
1838 D. Jerrold Men of Char. I. 137 Every domestic..had crossed her [the fortune-teller's] hand and looked on future life.
a. To mark with a cross in sign of a vow; esp. of the vow to wrest the Holy Land from the Saracens; = croise v. 2. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > other practices > carry out other practices [verb (transitive)] > make the sign of the cross > make the sign of the cross on > by way of sanctifying vow
croise1297
cross1481
crusado1671
1481 W. Caxton tr. Siege & Conqueste Jerusalem (1893) xvi Whan one of the grete barons was croysed so on his sholdre..alle the peple of the contre that were also crossyd cam to hym, and chees hym for theyr captayne.
15.. Coer de L. 2131 (from a printed copy) For he is crossed a pilgrim.
1610 G. Carleton Iurisdict. 210 The Souldiers which were crossed for the holy warres.
b. to cross one's heart, to make the sign of the cross over one's heart, to attest the truth or sincerity of a statement, promise, etc.; frequently in cross my heart (and hope to die).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [verb (intransitive)] > attest truth or sincerity
to cross one's heart1908
1908 S. Ford Side-stepping with Shorty xx. 314 I wouldn't touched [sic] another thing; cross m' heart, I wouldn't!
1922 ‘K. Mansfield’ Garden Party 24 ‘Promise not to tell.’ They promised. ‘Say, cross my heart straight dinkum.’
1926 R. Macaulay Crewe Train x. 184 ‘Let's both swear.’ ‘Cross my heart and hope to die. Now what about bed?’
1952 A. Wilson Hemlock & After iii. 167 Cross her heart, might she die if she sneaked.
4.
a. To cancel by marking with a cross or by drawing lines across; to strike out, erase. (literal and figurative) Const. off, out.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > memory > effacement, obliteration > efface, obliterate [verb (transitive)] > erase by marking
strikec1386
to rub offa1425
cancelc1440
streakc1440
cross1483
outstrike1487
line1530
to strike out1530
dash1549
to strike off1597
cancellate1664
damask1673
score1687
to run through1817
overscore1834
blue-pencil1883
stroke1885
caviar1890
to stencil out1891
to strike through1898
ex1935
x1942
Cf. 1472 Paston Lett No. 696 III. 47. ]
1483 Cath. Angl. 84 To Crosse, cancellare.
c1528 Everyman (1961) 800 I crosse out all this.
1609 Bp. J. Hall Passion-serm. 70 The debt is paid, the score is crossed.
a1623 W. Pemble Introd. Worthy Receiving Sacrament (1628) 43 To have gotten the debt-book crossed.
a1640 J. Day & H. Chettle Blind-beggar (1659) sig. B2v Heres my Bill, I pray see me crost.
1838 R. Southey March to Moscow in Poet. Wks. VI. 220 And Krosnoff he cross'd them off.
1858 N. Hawthorne Fr. & Ital. Jrnls. I. 151 Crossed out of the list of sights to be seen.
b. In College usage; see quots.
ΚΠ
1576 in W. H. Turner Select. Rec. Oxf. (1880) 380 Every suche person..shalbe dyscharged of the same house, and have hys hedd crossed heare.
1825 C. M. Westmacott Eng. Spy I. 156 I move that we have him crossed in the buttery.
1865 Cornhill Mag. Feb. 228 There is a very absurd punishment termed ‘crossing a man at the buttery’, which means that a ×is set against his name to prohibit the butler from serving him.
1884 Weekly Reg. 18 Oct. 503/2 If you did not go he ‘crossed’ you, thereby cutting off all your supplies of food.
5.
a. To lay (a thing) across or athwart another; to set (things) across each other; to place crosswise. Also, to place (one limb) over another. to cross swords: to engage in fighting with swords; also figurative. †to cross legs or to cross shins (i.e. in wrestling; hence figurative).
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > intersection > intersect [verb (transitive)] > place across another or each other
cross1490
thwarta1529
intercross1817
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > debate, disputation, argument > controversy, dispute, argument > contend, dispute, argue [verb (intransitive)]
flitec900
witherc1000
disputea1225
pleadc1275
strive1320
arguec1374
tolyc1440
toilc1450
wrestlec1450
altercate1530
disagree1534
dissent1538
contend1539
controvert1563
wrangle?1570
contestate?1572
to fend and prove?1578
contest1603
vie1604
controverse1605
discept1639
ergot1653
digladiatea1656
misprove1662
spar1698
argufy1804
spat1809
to cross swords1816
argle1823
to bandy words1828
polemize1828
controversialize1841
caffle1851
polemicize1881
ergotize1883
argy-bargy1887
cag1919
snack1956
society > armed hostility > military equipment > operation and use of weapons > cut of sharp weapon > cut or thrust with sword > use or fight with sword [verb (intransitive)]
skirmisha1387
swash1556
to blade ita1566
to fight, play, etc. at the sharp1579
to cross swords1816
1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxii. 471 He..layd hymselfe doun on a bed wyth his legges crossed.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. XXXiiv Whan he casteth the Stole about his necke & crosseth it before his brest.
1581 T. Styward Pathwaie to Martiall Discipline ii. 110 If your battaile be assalted with horse, then couch and crosse your pikes.
1645 Bp. J. Hall Remedy Discontentm. xxiv. 148 We must meet with rubs; and perhaps crosse shinnes, and make fals too.
1653 E. Chisenhale Catholike Hist. 476 He hath crossed legs with himself, and given himself the fall.
1751 R. Paltock Life Peter Wilkins I. xii. 108 Thus I proceeded, crossing, joining, and fastening all together, till the whole Roof was..strong.
1816 W. Scott Old Mortality iii, in Tales of my Landlord 1st Ser. III. 70 Few men ventured to cross swords with him.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey IV. vi. vi. 193 His arms crossed behind him.
1881 C. E. L. Riddell Senior Partner I. ii. 29 She crossed her soft white hands one over the other.
1886 E. Lynn Linton Paston Carew viii They rarely met without crossing swords on one matter if not another.
1886 ‘M. Gray’ Silence of Dean Maitland I. ii. i Staring at the sky, with one leg crossed over the other.
1902 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Vultures xxv. 223 The captain..crossed one leg over the other.
b. Nautical. To set in position across the mast; hoist (a cross-sail): said formerly of sails, later of yards of a square-rigged vessel. Cf. cross-sail n.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > directing or managing a ship > use of sails, spars, or rigging > carry specific amount of sail [verb (transitive)] > set or spread (sails) > raise (sail or yard) > raise a cross-sail or yard
cross1393
1393 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 81 And forþ þei wenten into schipe And crossen seil and made hem ȝare Anon as þogh þei wolden fare.
a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) lxiiii. sig. Oiiiiv A fayre ryuer, wherein were manye shyppes, some vnder sayle, and some redye crossed.
1626 J. Smith Accidence Young Sea-men 27 Crosse your yeards.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast v. 42 The wind having become light, we crossed our royal and skysail yards.
c. Telephony. To make a connection between (telephone or telegraph wires of different lines or circuits); frequently used in passive of accidental connections. Also transferred, implying a misunderstanding.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > [verb (transitive)] > connect wires of different lines
cross1884
1884 [see crossed adj. at Derivatives].
1910 Hawkins' Electr. Dict. 100/2 Crossing wires, a temporary expedient when a defective section is found to exist in a telegraph circuit, for preserving the continuity of the circuit by crossing the wire over to a neighboring line till the fault is remedied.
1910 H. Belloc Pongo & Bull iii. 56 ‘Don't mind me, Eddie, the wires were crossed.’ And with this meaningless but sufficient phrase, he jammed the receiver down again.
1932 P. G. Wodehouse Hot Water ii. 57 Can we by any chance have got the wires crossed?..It was the idea, wasn't it, that we should pile on to a pot of tea together?
6.
a. Of things: to lie or pass across; to intersect.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > intersection > intersect [verb (transitive)]
crossc1400
overcarvec1400
cut?a1475
intersect1615
decussate1658
decuss1782
transect1861
c1400 ( G. Chaucer Treat. Astrolabe (Cambr. Dd.3.53) (1872) i. §5. 5 Ouer-thwart this..lyne, ther crosseth hym a-nother lyne.
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. ix. 155 Set another Board..so that..they cross one another.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 148 The rays..must cross each other in the central point.
1840 D. Lardner Treat. Geom. 65 The point X, where they [lines] cross each other.
b. intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > intersection > intersect [verb (intransitive)] > cross each other
traverse1669
cross1695
intercross1711
criss-cross1883
1695 [implied in: J. Dryden tr. C. A. Du Fresnoy De Arte Graphica 92 Statues..in the crossing of Streets, or in the Squares. (at crossing n. 5a)].
1869 F. A. G. Ouseley Treat. Counterpoint vi. 30 It is allowable..to let the parts cross, so that the upper part should be below the lower part for a note or two.
1893 N.E.D. at Cross Mod. At the spot where two roads cross.
c. transitive. To sit across, bestride (a horse, etc.). colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > riding on horse (or other animal) > ride (a horse or other animal) [verb (transitive)] > mount (a horse or other animal) > and sit astride
bestridec1000
umstridea1352
cross1760
straddle1823
fork1903
1760 R. Heber Horse Matches ix. 31 Ill bred riders crossing Queen Mab.
1781 W. Cowper Retirem. 467 To cross his ambling pony day by day.
1835 G. Stephen Adventures in Search of Horse i. 7 The ‘sweetest little park horse that ever was crossed’.
1876 G. O. Trevelyan Life & Lett. Macaulay I. iii. 119 He seldom crossed a saddle, and never willingly.
7.
a. To draw a line across (another line or surface); to mark with lines or streaks athwart the surface; to write across (a letter). Also absol.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > indication > marking > mark [verb (transitive)] > with lines > across
cross1703
society > communication > correspondence > letter-writing > write (a letter) [verb (transitive)] > write across (a letter)
cross1816
1703 Moxon's Mech. Dyalling (ed. 4) in Moxon's Mech. Exercises (new ed.) 324 Then cross this Line at right Angles with the Line CF.
1816 J. Austen Emma II. i. 7 I..must..apologise for her writing so short a letter..in general she fills the whole paper and crosses half. View more context for this quotation
1819 J. Keats Let. 3 Oct. (1958) II. 221 Brown has a few words to say to you and will cross this.
1826 T. Bewick Hist. Brit. Birds (ed. 6) I. 53 With spots of white, crossed with zig-zag lines.
1849 W. M. Thackeray in Scribner's Mag. 1 557/1 I have..crossed the t's and dotted the i's.
1850 J. W. Carlyle Lett. II. 115 A letter..two little sheets all crossed!
1924 R. Macaulay Orphan Island xiv. §2. 176 Miss Smith had the sloping, flowing hand of the ladies of her period, and often crossed and recrossed.
b. Farming. To cross-plough; also intransitive. To admit of being crossed-ploughed.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > farm > farmland > land suitable for cultivation > lie fallow [verb (intransitive)] > admit of being ploughed
plough1762
cross1786
the world > food and drink > farming > cultivation or tillage > breaking up land > ploughing > plough (land) [verb (transitive)] > cross-plough
cross-ploughc1644
overthwart1667
thwart1847
to cut back1858
cross1859
1786 G. Washington Diaries III. 30 This day finished crossing the ground in the Neck designed for Oats.
1786 G. Washington Diaries III. 172 In the Neck began to cross the Plowing in the homestead..in order to sow oats.
1796 Hull Advertiser 13 Feb. 1/4 The strong lands..are much chilled..and will cross badly..for want of dry winds.
1859 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 20 i. 213 I have broken up 201 acres, and have crossed 128 acres.
1864 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 25 ii. 298 In the month of May I cross the work by steam, going down this time to twelve inches.
c. Banking. to cross a cheque: to write across the face the name of a banking company, or simply the words ‘& Co’, between two lines, to be filled up with the name of a banking company, through whom alone it may be paid.The crossing of cheques originated at the Clearing House, the name of the bank presenting the cheque being written across it to facilitate the work of the clearing-house clerks. See Exchequer Reports (1853) VII. 402.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > money > medium of exchange or currency > paper money > cheques and drafts > process a cheque [verb (transitive)] > write name of payable bank upon
to cross a cheque1834
1834 R. V. Barnewall & J. L. Adolphus Rep. Cases King's Bench IV. 752 Across the face of the cheque he had written the name of Martin & Co. A cheque so crossed, if presented by any person but the banker whose name is written across, is not paid without further enquiry.
1856 Ann. Reg. 1855 ii. Chron. 192/2 He..requested that he would cash it [sc. a cheque] for him, as it was crossed.
1866 A. Crump Pract. Treat. Banking iii. 83 Should the cheque be delivered to the payee, it is a good plan to ask for his banker's name, and cross it.
8. To pass over a line, boundary, river, channel, etc.; to pass from one side to the other of any space.
a. transitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (transitive)] > cross or pass over
overstyeOE
overleapeOE
overfareOE
overgoc1225
passc1300
overpassa1382
to pass through ——a1382
overlendc1450
overmetec1480
overspana1522
cross1583
transpass1626
overwenda1649
overmarcha1805
peregrinate1835
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > across
overgoeOE
to come overeOE
to go over ——OE
overcome?c1225
passc1300
overpassa1382
cross1583
traject1624
cut1634
1583 J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (ed. 4) II. 2136/2 Intendyng..to have crossed the seas into Fraunce.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) i. i. 22 How yong Leander crost the Hellespont. View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 920 No narrow frith He had to cross . View more context for this quotation
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 48. ⁋4 They crossed Cornhill together.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. iii. 27 Our aim being to cross the mountains.
1873 W. Black Princess of Thule xiii. 202 White clouds were slowly crossing a fair, blue sky.
1893 N.E.D. at Cross Mod. After crossing the Equator, the ship was becalmed.
1904 L. T. Meade Love Triumphant iv. ii An ugly sneer crossed his lips.
b. intransitive. Also with over. (In early use said of hunted beasts which wheel round and cross their own track.) spec. in Cricket: (a) in fielding, to cross to the other side of the wicket at the end of an over, or when a left-handed batter replaces a right-handed one at the crease or vice versa; (b) of a bowler: to go across at the end of an over in order to bowl from the opposite wicket, thus bowling two overs in succession (no longer permitted).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > [verb (intransitive)] > travel across or beyond
to come overeOE
overfareOE
overstridea1200
overgoc1225
to go over1415
cross1486
forpass1486
to make over1488
to put over1590
to make through1606
traject1711
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (intransitive)] > across
to pass overc1300
cross1486
thwarta1552
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > fielding > field [verb (intransitive)] > cross to other side
cross1867
society > leisure > sport > types of sport or game > ball game > cricket > bowling > bowl [verb (intransitive)] > bowl two overs in succession
cross1877
1486 Bk. St. Albans E ij b When ye hunt at the Roo..He crosses and tresones yowre howndys befoore.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 502/1 I crosse over the waye.
1597 W. Shakespeare Richard III i. iv. 10 I was imbarkt for Burgundy.
1632 W. Lithgow Totall Disc. Trav. (1682) ix. 384 Crossing over in a Boat to the Town of Putzolo.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 63. ¶7 I left the Temple, and crossed over the Fields.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. 559 The only ford by which the travellers could cross.
1867 G. H. Selkirk Guide to Cricket Ground iv. 59 Avoiding the necessity of the field crossing over so frequently.
1877 C. Box Eng. Game Cricket 447 To cross over is to change wickets, which a bowler is permitted to do twice in an innings.
1883 Daily Tel. 15 May 2/7 Peate [bowler at cricket] now crossed over to the other end.
1908 W. E. W. Collins Leaves from Old Country Cricketer's Diary ix. 162 ‘He's not quite so good [a bowler] as I thought,’ he confided..as we crossed over.
c. causal. To carry across.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > transport > [verb (transitive)] > across
overcarrya1382
to set overc1540
to put over1569
to take over1573
traject1635
put1636
cross1804
to pass over1832
to get across1909
1804 W. Monson in Marquess Wellesley Select. Despatches (1877) 525 Finding the river fordable, I began to cross my baggage.
1882 H. S. Holland Logic & Life (1883) 14 It shifts and moves and crosses them from place to place.
d. intransitive. Biology. to cross over: of segments of chromatids of homologous chromosomes: to interchange and recombine during synapsis; to undergo crossing-over (see crossing-over n. at crossing n. Compounds 2).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]
forsweltc888
sweltc888
adeadeOE
deadc950
wendeOE
i-wite971
starveOE
witea1000
forfereOE
forthfareOE
forworthc1000
to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE
queleOE
fallOE
to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE
to shed (one's own) blood?a1100
diec1135
endc1175
farec1175
to give up the ghostc1175
letc1200
aswelta1250
leavea1250
to-sweltc1275
to-worthc1275
to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290
finea1300
spilla1300
part?1316
to leese one's life-daysa1325
to nim the way of deathc1325
to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330
flit1340
trance1340
determinec1374
disperisha1382
to go the way of all the eartha1382
to be gathered to one's fathers1382
miscarryc1387
shut1390
goa1393
to die upa1400
expirea1400
fleea1400
to pass awaya1400
to seek out of lifea1400–50
to sye hethena1400
tinea1400
trespass14..
espirec1430
to end one's days?a1439
decease1439
to go away?a1450
ungoc1450
unlivec1450
to change one's lifea1470
vade1495
depart1501
to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513
to decease this world1515
to go over?1520
jet1530
vade1530
to go westa1532
to pick over the perch1532
galpa1535
to die the death1535
to depart to God1548
to go home1561
mort1568
inlaikc1575
shuffle1576
finish1578
to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587
relent1587
unbreathe1589
transpass1592
to lose one's breath1596
to make a die (of it)1611
to go offa1616
fail1623
to go out1635
to peak over the percha1641
exita1652
drop1654
to knock offa1657
to kick upa1658
to pay nature her due1657
ghost1666
to march off1693
to die off1697
pike1697
to drop off1699
tip (over) the perch1699
to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703
sink1718
vent1718
to launch into eternity1719
to join the majority1721
demise1727
to pack off1735
to slip one's cable1751
turf1763
to move off1764
to pop off the hooks1764
to hop off1797
to pass on1805
to go to glory1814
sough1816
to hand in one's accounts1817
to slip one's breatha1819
croak1819
to slip one's wind1819
stiffen1820
weed1824
buy1825
to drop short1826
to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839
to get one's (also the) call1839
to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840
to unreeve one's lifeline1840
to step out1844
to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845
to hand in one's checks1845
to go off the handle1848
to go under1848
succumb1849
to turn one's toes up1851
to peg out1852
walk1858
snuff1864
to go or be up the flume1865
to pass outc1867
to cash in one's chips1870
to go (also pass over) to the majority1883
to cash in1884
to cop it1884
snuff1885
to belly up1886
perch1886
to kick the bucket1889
off1890
to knock over1892
to pass over1897
to stop one1901
to pass in1904
to hand in one's marble1911
the silver cord is loosed1911
pip1913
to cross over1915
conk1917
to check out1921
to kick off1921
to pack up1925
to step off1926
to take the ferry1928
peg1931
to meet one's Maker1933
to kiss off1935
to crease it1959
zonk1968
cark1977
to cark it1979
to take a dirt nap1981
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > [verb (intransitive)] > changes or actions of genes or chromosomes > cross-over
to cross over1915
1915 T. H. Morgan et al. Mechanism Mendelian Heredity iii. 59 Sex linked factors cross over from each other.
1916 Jrnl. Genetics 5 284 If..for every chromosome which crosses over in this definite way, another similar chromosome in another nucleus does not cross over at all, [etc.].
1920 L. Doncaster Introd. Study Cytol. 224 The American investigators call these exceptional combinations cross~overs, since in the combinations of Ab and aB, A and a are regarded as having crossed over from their normal combinations and to have exchanged places.
1949 C. D. Darlington & K. Mather Elements of Genetics iii. 45 The chromosomes, or rather their constituent chromatids, cross-over and separate in germ cell formation just as the genes segregate and recombine.
e. euphemistic. To die.
ΚΠ
1930 ‘R. Crompton’ William's Happy Days ix. 224 My dear, dear little four-footed friend..'E crossed over last week.
1935 N. Collins Three Friends xvii. 265 Just before she crossed over she mentioned your name.
9.
a. Of things: to extend across from side to side.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > lie across [verb (transitive)]
thwart1413
transverse1430
overcrossa1450
overthwartc1450
traverse1555
cross1577
intercourse1597
transit1890
the world > space > direction > specific directions > direct in specific directions [verb (transitive)] > extend across (something)
transverse1430
overcrossa1450
overthwartc1450
traverse1481
cross1577
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 171v They must haue houses warme, as your Pigions haue, crossed through with small Pearches.
1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iv. xv. 399 The maine Summier which crossed the garret.
1832 Stat. 2 & 3 Wm. IV c. 64 Sched. O. 48 The said railroad..crosses a small stream.
b. intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > lie across or transversely [verb (intransitive)]
thwarta1552
crossa1652
the world > space > direction > specific directions > have specific directions [verb (intransitive)] > extend across
thwarta1552
crossa1652
a1652 I. Jones in B. Allsopp & R. A. Sayce Inigo Jones on Palladio (1970) II. iv. 19 C wall that crosseth from ye forsaid wall to corronich.
1653 H. Cogan tr. F. M. Pinto Voy. & Adventures xxxiv. 137 Canals..crossing through the length and bredth of the City.
10.
a. To meet and pass; to pass (each other) in opposite directions; to meet in passing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > move past > in opposite directions
cross1782
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (transitive)] > meet in passing
cross1782
to cross the path of (any one)1820
1782 F. Burney Cecilia II. iv. v. 164 She was crossed upon the stairs by Mr. Harrel, who passed her [etc.].
1822 C. Lamb in London Mag. Jan. 22/2 Now and then a solitary gardening man would cross me.
1854 J. R. Lowell Jrnl. Italy in Wks. (1890) I. 185 Swallows swam in and out with level wings, or crossed each other.
b. Of two letters or messengers: To pass each other on their way between two persons, who have written to each other at the same time. transitive and intransitive.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > correspondence > sending items > send items [verb (intransitive)] > cross (of letters or messengers)
cross1793
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (intransitive)] > move past > pass each other
cross1793
society > communication > correspondence > sending items > send items [verb (transitive)] > cross (of two letters or messengers)
cross1849
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [verb (transitive)] > move past > in opposite directions > specifically of letters or messengers
cross1849
1793 T. Twining Recreat. & Stud. (1882) 173 I am always angry at this crossing of letters.
1819 M. R. Mitford in A. G. L'Estrange Life M. R. Mitford (1870) II. iii. 71 Our letters always cross, my dear Sir William.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 530 This paper on its way to Whitehall crossed the messenger who brought to Portsmouth the order.
1860 J. W. Carlyle Lett. III. 19 A letter from me would have crossed yours..on the road.
11. figurative.1581 R. Mulcaster Positions xxxvi. 133 There be two great doubtes which crosse me.
a. To meet or face in one's way; esp. to meet adversely; to encounter. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)] > meet or encounter adversely
cross1581
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (transitive)] > in one's way or hostilely
cross1581
1598 R. Grenewey tr. Tacitus Annales iii. ix. 77 The legions..which Visellius, and C. Silius had set to crosse them, droue them backe.
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet i. i. 108 Ile crosse it, though it blast me.
1628 J. Earle Micro-cosmogr. xv. sig. D4 Men shun him..and he is neuer crost in his way, if there be but a lane to escape him.
1631 E. Pellham Gods Power 34 Though cross'd sometimes with contrary windes homeward bound.
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. i. 28 He was gone before I could cross him!
1813 Ld. Byron Giaour (ed. 3) 47 He knew and crossed me in the fray.
b. To come across (see to come across —— 3 at come v. Phrasal verbs 2), to meet with, to come upon in one's way. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (transitive)] > encounter or experience
ymetec893
findeOE
meetOE
counterc1325
overtakec1390
limp?a1400
tidea1400
runa1450
to fall with ——?c1475
onlightc1475
recounterc1485
recount1490
to come in witha1500
occur1531
to fall on ——1533
to fall upon ——1533
beshine1574
rencontre1582
entertain1591
cope with1594
happen1594
tocome1596
incur1599
forgather1600
thwart1601
to fall in1675
cross1684
to come across ——1738
to cross upon (or on)1748
to fall across ——1760
experience1786
to drop in1802
encounter1814
to come upon ——1820
to run against ——1821
to come in contact with1862
to run across ——1864
to knock or run up against1886
to knock up against1887
1684 R. Howlett School Recreat. 19 If the Hound chance to cross them, Sport may be had. But no Rule can be prescribed how to find or hunt them.
1857 J. Ruskin Polit. Econ. Art i. 20 We can hardly read a few sentences on any political subject without running a chance of crossing the phrase ‘paternal government’.
12. to cross the path of (any one): to meet him in his way, to come in the way of; often implying obstruction or thwarting; also, to pass across his path in front of him. to cross the bows of (a ship): to pass across her path immediately in front of her.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (transitive)] > meet in passing
cross1782
to cross the path of (any one)1820
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement towards a thing, person, or position > meeting or encounter > meet or encounter [verb (transitive)] > meet and obstruct the course of
to cross the path of (any one)1820
to head off1841
to block off1893
society > travel > travel by water > action or motion of vessel > [verb (transitive)] > pass across front of another ship
to cross the bows of (a ship)1883
1608 Bp. J. Hall Characters Vertues & Vices ii. 88 This man..if but an Hare crosse him the way, he returnes.
1820 W. Irving Legend Sleepy Hollow in Sketch Bk. vi. 68 He would have passed a pleasant life..if his path had not been crossed by..a woman.
1841 T. De Quincey Sketches Life & Manners in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Feb. 104/2 Suppose them insolently to beard you in public haunts; to cross your path continually.
1883 Law Times Rep. 49 332 The Margaret..attempted to cross the bows of the Clan Sinclair.
1892 ‘R. Boldrewood’ Nevermore III. xx. 66 Let him cross my path again at his peril.
13. to cross one's mind, etc. (rarely to cross one): to occur suddenly or momentarily to one, as if flashed across the mind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > perception or cognition > faculty of ideation > idea, notion, or concept > come to mind, occur [verb (intransitive)] > suddenly
smitec1450
shoot1542
rejounce1556
to break in1713
to cross one's mind, etc. (rarely to cross one)1768
surge up1853
strobe1977
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 56 The good old monk was within six paces of us, as the idea of him cross'd my mind.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian ii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 34 No notion, therefore, of impropriety crossed her imagination.
1834 T. Medwin Angler in Wales I. 258 Such an idea never crossed one of our minds.
1861 C. Dickens Great Expectations III. xii. 187 A misgiving crossed me that Wemmick would be instantly dismissed.
14. figurative.† b. To bar, debar, preclude from. Obsolete. rare.† c. To contradict, contravene, traverse (a sentence, statement, etc.). Obsolete.
a. To thwart, oppose, go counter to.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)]
withgo743
to go again ——OE
withsayc1175
again-goc1275
withsitc1300
thwarta1325
to go against ——a1382
counter1382
repugnc1384
adversea1393
craba1400
gainsaya1400
movec1400
overthwart?a1425
to put (also set) one's face againsta1425
traversea1425
contrairc1425
to take again ——c1425
contraryc1430
to take against ——a1450
opposec1485
again-seta1500
gain?a1500
oppone1500
transverse1532
to come up against1535
heave at1546
to be against1549
encounter1549
to set shoulder against1551
to fly in the face of1553
crossc1555
to cross with1590
countermand1592
forstand1599
opposit1600
thorter1608
obviate1609
disputea1616
obstrigillate1623
contradict1632
avert1635
to set one's hand against1635
top1641
militate1642
to come across ——1653
contrariate1656
to cross upon (or on)1661
shock1667
clash1685
rencounter1689
obtend1697
counteract1708
oppugnate1749
retroact?1761
controvert1782
react1795
to set against ——1859
appose-
c1555 J. Rogers in J. Foxe Actes & Monuments (1583) II. 1491/2 He but chasteneth his dearlings, and crosseth them for a small while..as all fathers doe with their children.
1588 J. Udall Demonstr. Trueth of Discipline xvi. 87 He that loueth Christ, cannot crosse the course of the Gospel.
1631 W. Gouge Gods Three Arrowes iv. x. 388 It is..better that our purpose and desire be crossed.
1680 W. Temple Ess. Advancem. Trade Ireland in Wks. (1731) I. 113 Without crossing any Interest of Trade in England.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 2. ⁋1 He was crossed in Love.
1722 D. Defoe Relig. Courtship i. i. 11 He will never cross her in small Matters.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 255 He therefore determined to cross those designs.
1876 F. E. Trollope Charming Fellow I. xi. 149 I never cross her, or talk to her much when she is not feeling well.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > hindrance > hindering completely or preventing > hinder completely or prevent [verb (transitive)] > from an action, purpose, etc.
warnc888
withseta1330
defendc1330
conclude1382
privea1387
retainc1415
refrain1442
prohibit1483
repel1483
stop1488
sever?1507
discourage1528
seclude?1531
prevent1533
foreclose1536
lock1560
stay1560
disallow1568
intercept1576
to put bya1586
crossa1616
stave1616
prevent1620
secure1623
stave1630
riot1777
tent1781
footer1813
to stop off1891
mozz1941
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 3 (1623) iii. ii. 127 To crosse me from the Golden time I looke for. View more context for this quotation
a1650 W. Bradford Hist. Plymouth Plant. (1856) 329 He in ye end crost this petition from taking any further effecte in this kind.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > speaking against or contradiction > speak against or contradict [verb (transitive)]
withsake971
withsayc1175
forbidc1275
withtellec1275
counterplead1377
again-saya1382
withsaya1382
contrary1382
countersay1393
withstand1513
transverse1532
cross1589
contradict1596
controvert1596
respire1629
scruple1639
contravene1722
oppugn1781
countervene1825
to stand down1869
1589 R. Greene Menaphon sig. D4 When I alledged faith, she crost me with Æneas.
1615 Bp. J. Hall No Peace with Rome v, in Recoll. Treat. 848 They..will be crossing euery thing, that is spoken.
1675 T. Brooks Golden Key 63 One Divine Sentence cannot cross and rescind another.
1687 J. Dryden Hind & Panther iii. 126 A sort of Doves..Who cross the Proverb, and abound with Gall.
1702 Charlett Let. in S. Pepys Diary 26 Sept. Which makes travel so easy, as to cross a sentence of Lord Burghley's [to the contrary].
d. slang. To cheat or double-cross; to act dishonestly in or towards; cf. cross n. 29. Also intransitive (see quot. 1925).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > wrongdoing > dishonesty > [verb (intransitive)]
cross1823
smouch1848
society > morality > moral evil > lack of principle or integrity > be unprincipled in [verb (transitive)] > act dishonestly in or towards
cross1823
1823 P. Egan Grose's Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (rev. ed.)
1888 W. E. Henley & R. L. Stevenson Deacon Brodie (rev. ed.) iii. v. 60 What made you cross the fight, and play booty with your own man?
1925 Flynn's 10 Jan. 877/2 Cross, to squeal; to betray... To deceive; to cheat one's pals.
1938 G. Greene Brighton Rock ii. ii. 86 It wouldn't have happened if we hadn't been crossed. A journalist thought he could put one over on us.
1960 ‘W. Haggard’ Closed Circuit xv. 179 He'd been using us; he'd crossed us; and he knew too much for safety.
a. intransitive. to cross with: to go counter to. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)]
withgo743
to go again ——OE
withsayc1175
again-goc1275
withsitc1300
thwarta1325
to go against ——a1382
counter1382
repugnc1384
adversea1393
craba1400
gainsaya1400
movec1400
overthwart?a1425
to put (also set) one's face againsta1425
traversea1425
contrairc1425
to take again ——c1425
contraryc1430
to take against ——a1450
opposec1485
again-seta1500
gain?a1500
oppone1500
transverse1532
to come up against1535
heave at1546
to be against1549
encounter1549
to set shoulder against1551
to fly in the face of1553
crossc1555
to cross with1590
countermand1592
forstand1599
opposit1600
thorter1608
obviate1609
disputea1616
obstrigillate1623
contradict1632
avert1635
to set one's hand against1635
top1641
militate1642
to come across ——1653
contrariate1656
to cross upon (or on)1661
shock1667
clash1685
rencounter1689
obtend1697
counteract1708
oppugnate1749
retroact?1761
controvert1782
react1795
to set against ——1859
appose-
1590 Sir P. Sidney Covntesse of Pembrokes Arcadia i. v. f. 20 Mens actions doo not alwaies crosse with reason.
a1641 R. Montagu Acts & Monuments (1642) 150 Yet that crosseth not with abbreviation, but confirms it rather.
a1662 P. Heylyn Cyprianus Anglicus (1668) 156 When it seemed.. to cross with the Puritan Interest.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > oppose [verb (transitive)]
withgo743
to go again ——OE
withsayc1175
again-goc1275
withsitc1300
thwarta1325
to go against ——a1382
counter1382
repugnc1384
adversea1393
craba1400
gainsaya1400
movec1400
overthwart?a1425
to put (also set) one's face againsta1425
traversea1425
contrairc1425
to take again ——c1425
contraryc1430
to take against ——a1450
opposec1485
again-seta1500
gain?a1500
oppone1500
transverse1532
to come up against1535
heave at1546
to be against1549
encounter1549
to set shoulder against1551
to fly in the face of1553
crossc1555
to cross with1590
countermand1592
forstand1599
opposit1600
thorter1608
obviate1609
disputea1616
obstrigillate1623
contradict1632
avert1635
to set one's hand against1635
top1641
militate1642
to come across ——1653
contrariate1656
to cross upon (or on)1661
shock1667
clash1685
rencounter1689
obtend1697
counteract1708
oppugnate1749
retroact?1761
controvert1782
react1795
to set against ——1859
appose-
the world > existence and causation > occurrence > [verb (transitive)] > encounter or experience
ymetec893
findeOE
meetOE
counterc1325
overtakec1390
limp?a1400
tidea1400
runa1450
to fall with ——?c1475
onlightc1475
recounterc1485
recount1490
to come in witha1500
occur1531
to fall on ——1533
to fall upon ——1533
beshine1574
rencontre1582
entertain1591
cope with1594
happen1594
tocome1596
incur1599
forgather1600
thwart1601
to fall in1675
cross1684
to come across ——1738
to cross upon (or on)1748
to fall across ——1760
experience1786
to drop in1802
encounter1814
to come upon ——1820
to run against ——1821
to come in contact with1862
to run across ——1864
to knock or run up against1886
to knock up against1887
1661 O. Felltham On St. Luke xiv. 20 in Resolves (rev. ed.) 390 So long as we cross not upon Religion.
1701 J. Collier tr. Marcus Aurelius Conversat. with Himself ix. i. 155 He that crosses upon this Design, is Prophane in his Contradiction.
1748 H. Walpole Let. 11 Aug. in Corr. (1941) IX. 68 In this search, I have crossed upon another descent.
1750 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 19 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) IV. 1518 He is in hopes of crossing upon you somewhere or other.
1824 L.-M. Hawkins Mem. I. 25 (note) One day suddenly crossing on the gentleman.
16. absolute.1842 J. Bischoff Comprehensive Hist. Woollen Manuf. II. 141 They have been generally crossing for bigger sheep, and..have produced a coarser kind of wool.
a. transitive. To cause (different breeds or groups) to reproduce together; to modify (a breed) by interbreeding; to cross-fertilize (plants).
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [verb (transitive)] > cross
mella1387
cross-breed1675
mix1740
cross1754
hybridize1845
mongrelize1859
interbreed1865
outbreed1888
back-cross1904
outcross1918
1754 Bp. W. Warburton Lett. (1809) 174 As that people [the Jews] had no commerce with any other, there was a necessity of crossing the strain as much as possible.
1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth III. 282 This variety seems formed by crossing the breed of such as are imported from various climates.
1802 Ann. Reg. 353 The advantage which has resulted from crossing the breed of cattle.
1851 Beck's Florist 142 Cross such flowers as appear likely to yield the most desirable colours and shapes.
1883 R. L. Stevenson Silverado Squatters 105 A setter crossed with spaniel.
b. intransitive. To sexually reproduce together, being of distinct breeds or ethnic groups; to interbreed.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [verb (intransitive)] > cross
mix1740
cross18..
intercross1859
hybridize1865
outcross1949
outbreed1962
18.. Coleridge in Webster's New Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang. (1890) If two individuals of distinct races cross, a third is invariably produced differing from either.
1845 Jrnl. Royal Agric. Soc. 6 ii. 453 These [mares] do not cross well with the thorough-bred stallions.
Derivatives
crossed adj. (in sense 5c).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > [adjective] > crossed
crossed1884
1884 Telegraphic Jrnl. 31 May 469/1 (caption) Crossed wires.
1931 P. G. Wodehouse If I were You i. 12 ‘There's a lunatic at the other end of the wire who keeps calling me Little Bright Eyes.’ ‘I fancy the wires must have become crossed, m'lady.’
crossing n. (in sense 5c).
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > telecommunication > telegraphy or telephony > [noun] > crossed lines
cross-talk1887
crossing1936
1936 P. G. Wodehouse Laughing Gas vii. 78 An unforeseen crossing of the wires in the fourth dimension.
1958 Listener 11 Dec. 976/1 This crossing of the political wires had many repercussions in politics.
Draft additions December 2020
Politics. to cross the floor: (esp. in a parliamentary system) to vote against one's own party, or leave one's party to join another; (in extended use) to change sides on an issue, to reverse one's opinion or position. [From the practice whereby, in a chamber where government and opposition parties sit opposite and facing each other, members of parliament literally cross the floor to sit on the other side, either to join another party or (in some countries) to vote against their own.]
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > irresolution or vacillation > reversal of or forsaking one's will or purpose > reverse or abandon one's purpose [verb (intransitive)] > desert one's party or principles
declinec1374
starta1450
revert?a1525
to fall away1535
to turn (one's) tippet1546
revolt1549
shrink1553
to turn one's coat1565
to come over1576
apostate1596
to change (one's) sides1596
defect1596
renegade1611
to change foot1618
to run over1643
to face about1645
apostatize1648
tergiverse1675
tergiversate1678
desert1689
apostasize1696
renegado1731
rat1810
to cross the floor1822
turncoat1892
to take (the) soup1907
turn1977
1822 Parl. Deb. 2nd Ser. 6 1126 By the single circumstance of his having crossed the floor, with his friends, the country has still to pay 1,500,000l. a year, the amount of the salt tax. But a very little while ago, the doctor was the champion for the repeal of the salt tax.
1943 C. Headlam Diary 1 Nov. in S. Ball Parl. & Politics in Age Churchill & Attlee (1999) xi. 389 Mr Quintin Hogg has denied that he proposes to cross the floor of the House—this must be a great relief to every true blue Tory!
1956 N.Z. Parl. Deb. 316 649/1 I take it as a personal insult that an Opposition member should suggest that anyone on this side is capable of crossing the floor. We are 100 per cent true to the Labour Government.
1994 Toronto Star 30 July c4/2 Holden crossed the floor of the assembly to join the PQ last year.
2011 Daily Tel. 27 Jan. (Business section) b1/4 A senior Bank of England policymaker has crossed the floor to call for an interest rate rise.
Draft additions December 2006
intransitive. Originally U.S. to cross over: (of a recording artist or piece of music) to go from appealing only to a particular (niche) market to being popular with a different (esp. wider) audience. Cf. crossover n. Additions b.
ΚΠ
1973 N.Y. Times 13 June 56/3 Sly, a black performer who crossed over into the white rock market.
1986 City Limits 16 Oct. 41 For the DJ, crossing over is more than simply a move from roots to respectability or even from black to white audiences.
1992 Sunday Oregonian (Portland, Oregon) (Nexis) 29 Mar. (Lively Arts section) 1 We've had groups like U2, the Police and R.E.M. that were No. 1 on CMJ cross over and become big hits in Billboard, but never as quickly as Nirvana did it.
2000 Esquire June 78/1 He burst from there in 1986 with Guitar Town, which reached number one on the country charts and then..crossed over and rose up the pop charts.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
crossadv.
/krɒs/, /krɔːs/, U.S. /krɔs/, /krɑs/ Now rare.† 1. From side to side, whether at right angles or obliquely; across, athwart, transversely. Obsolete.† 2. In a contrary way, in opposition to. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > relative position > fact or condition of being transverse > [adverb]
overthwartc1300
thwarta1350
thwart-over1398
overthwartly?a1425
traversec1425
thorter1488
thwartly?1541
traversely?1541
traversewise1548
cross1577
thwartingly1579
crosswise1580
thwartwise1589
overthwartwise1594
crossly1598
traverseways1610
athwart1611
crossway1611
transversely1650
overthwartways1656
transverse1660
crossways1665
thwartways1665
transversally1762
criss-cross1843
athwart-wise1868
a1400–50 Alexander 4872 And þai croke ouire crosse to cache þaim anothire.]
1577 B. Googe tr. C. Heresbach Foure Bks. Husbandry iv. f. 178v Cast bowes of Wyllowe crosse..That may preserue the faynting Bee, that in the fludde doth fal.
a1642 H. Best Farming & Memorandum Bks. (1984) 132 The boards lyinge thus crosse, one chesse one way and another another.
a1652 I. Jones Most Notable Antiq. called Stone-Heng (1655) 71 The Pict's wall, extending crosse over our Island.
1699 R. Bentley Diss. Epist. Phalaris (new ed.) 39 The Arundel Marble lies cross in our way.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 127 I now resolv'd to travel quite Cross to the Sea-Shore on that Side.
1793 J. Smeaton Narr. Edystone Lighthouse (ed. 2) §53 Courses of timber alternately cross and cross.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > opposition > [adverb]
witherc1200
contrariouslyc1380
overthwartlya1425
adversarilyc1475
incontrary1488
incontrair?a1500
contrairly1535
thwartly1558
adversatively1571
sinisterlya1600
kim-kam1603
antagonistically1610
cross1614
oppositively1622
thwarta1628
counter1643
reverse1649
counter-bias1656
contrariwise1682
contrarily1781
antipathetically1818
opposingly1842
hostilely1876
1614 T. Adams Diuells Banket v. 217 Iesus Well: whose bottome..was in Heauen; whose mouth and spring downewards to the earth: crosse to all earthly fountaines.
1638 W. Chillingworth Relig. Protestants i. v. §84. 288 To foist in two others, clean crosse to the Doctor's purpose.
1718 Mem. Life J. Kettlewell ii. xlix. 153 Every Thing was carried cross to his Intentions.
a1732 T. Boston Crook in Lot (1805) 33 The crook of the lot will..be found to lie cross to some wrong bias of the heart.
3. In an adverse or unfavourable way; contrary to one's desire or liking; awry, amiss; = across adv. 3. Obsolete or colloquial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > [adverb] > unfavourably
illc1325
contrariouslyc1380
amissa1425
contrary1497
sinisterly1529
overthwart1556
thwartingly1579
froward1580
adversely1593
crossly1597
unpropitiously1602
cross1603
disfavourably1654
cloudily1792
unfavourably1833
askew1858
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 164 Things falling out crosse with the old emperor.
1646 P. Bulkley Gospel-covenant i. 156 Though things goe crosse against us.
1691 J. Norris Pract. Disc. Divine Subj. 248 There is yet another thing in relation to the Moral World, which lies very cross upon our Minds.
1703 London Gaz. No. 3937/3 The Tide fell cross in the night.
1883 ‘G. Lloyd’ Ebb & Flow II. xxxvi. 300 I wonder why things do go so cross in this world.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
crossprep.
= across prep. Now dialect or poetic: in the latter case commonly written 'cross, as a recognized abbreviation. cross lots, more commonly across lots (U.S.): across the lots or fields as a short cut: cf. cross-country adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > motion in a certain direction > movement over, across, through, or past > [preposition] > across
overeOE
athwartc1470
thorter1533
across?1540
cross1551
1551 R. Record Pathway to Knowl. i. xxii Draw a corde or stryng line crosse the circle.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iv. i. 115 I charge thee waft me safely crosse the Channell. View more context for this quotation
1679 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. viii. 140 Cut into the Girder three Inches cross the Grain of the Stuff.
1684 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 363 Hardly could one see crosse the streete.
1760 J. Beattie Hares in Orig. Poems & Transl. 62 The scatter'd clouds fly 'cross the heaven.
1764 S. Foote Lyar i. ii. 10 Hallowing to a pretty fellow cross the Mall.
1821 J. Clare Village Minstrel I. 201 Whether sauntering we proceed Cross the green, or down the mead.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online September 2021).
> see also
also refers to : cross-comb. form
<
n.a1225
adj.1523v.1393
adv.1577prep.1551see also