pectoral cross

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. a cross worn on the breast by various prelates, as a designation of office.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral cross¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Another, quite unmoved by the pectoral cross and crimson soutane, asked artlessly, "What was your college?"

From Project Gutenberg

He would have thought it the face of a fast-living officer, but for the cassock and pectoral cross.

From Project Gutenberg

Amongst these we notice his stole and maniple and pectoral cross.

From Project Gutenberg

His stole and pectoral cross are still in the possession of representatives of the family to which he belonged at Mitchelstown.

From Project Gutenberg

Encolpion, en-kol′pi-on, n. an amulet: a Greek pectoral cross.

From Project Gutenberg