Maltese cross

American  

noun

1. a cross having four equal arms that expand in width outward.

2. scarlet lychnis.

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Maltese cross British  

noun

1. a cross with triangular arms that taper towards the centre, sometimes having indented outer sides: formerly worn by the Knights of Malta

2. (in a film projector) a cam mechanism of this shape that produces intermittent motion

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Etymology

Origin of Maltese cross

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

A truly ancient sapphire, St. Edward’s, is at the center of the Maltese cross on top.

From Los Angeles Times • May 3, 2023

The gem, which has Maltese cross faceted at its base, was first sold by Christie's in 1918 at a London auction where residents sold precious household items to help the war effort.

From Reuters • May 6, 2022

Its dockside crafts market displays many items bearing the eight-pointed Maltese cross.

From Washington Post • Aug. 24, 2017

Its insignia is the eight-point Maltese cross, which hung prominently over the raffle prize table.

From New York Times • Sep. 25, 2015

Four large flattish lobes occur about the body, on each of which a figure somewhat resembling a Maltese cross has been made by incising or impressing broad, shallow lines.

From Ancient Pottery of the Mississippi Valley Fourth Annual Report of the Bureau of Ethnology to the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1882-83, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1886, pages 361-436 by Holmes, William Henry