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.

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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

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

From Time Magazine Archive

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

The Archbishop, with the Dean of Westminster and a cross-bearer, was the only prominent ecclesiastic, the Bishops in their places as peers being crowded out of sight.

From The Life of the Rt. Hon. Sir Charles W. Dilke, Volume 2 by Gwynn, Stephen Lucius

And yet of all who bore the cross this man, being, as he was, so much the most faithful to his vow, by far the truest cross-bearer of all, yet failed the most utterly.

From Heroes Every Child Should Know by Mabie, Hamilton Wright