patriarchal cross

noun

: a chiefly heraldic cross denoting a cardinal's or archbishop's rank and having two crossbars of which the lower is the longer and intersects the upright above or at its center

called also cross of Lorraine

see cross illustration

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of patriarchal cross was circa 1727

Dictionary Entries Near patriarchal cross

Cite this Entry

“Patriarchal cross.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchal%20cross. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

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