cross-bearer

American  

[kraws-bair-er, kros-] / ˈkrɔsˌbɛər ər, ˈkrɒs- /

noun

1. a person who carries or holds a cross, especially in a religious procession.

---

Etymology

Origin of cross-bearer

First recorded in 1530–40; cross + bearer

Example Sentences

All joking aside, the intent of the cross-bearer is relevant, as our lawyer-governor knows but neglected to mention.

From Washington Times • Feb. 9, 2016

This time Maxime del Sarte, who styles himself descendant of great Andrea del Sarto, has fashioned Him from clay in the mold of a cross-bearer.

From Time Magazine Archive

Behind the verger walked a cross-bearer, the Canterbury choristers and seven decrepit beadsmen.

From Time Magazine Archive

Behind the cross-bearer followed the procession in a double line, consisting of boys, young men, factory-hands, drunken mechanics, and such other begrimed and besotted beings as progress alone can count in its ranks.

From The Progressionists, and Angela. by Bolanden, Conrad von

First, there was a tall handsome cross-bearer, bearing a long gold cross, of which the front was turned towards his grace the Archbishop.

From The Second Funeral of Napoleon by Thackeray, William Makepeace