crosse

American  

[kraws, kros] / krɔs, krɒs /

noun

1. a long-handled racket used in the game of lacrosse.

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crosse British  

/ krɒs /

noun

1. a light staff with a triangular frame to which a network is attached, used in playing lacrosse

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Etymology

Origin of crosse

1865–70; < French: literally, hooked stick, Old French croce < Germanic; see crutch, crook ¹

Explanation

A crosse is another word for a lacrosse stick, the long-handled racket used to play the team sport. In lacrosse, the goalie holds a special, extra large crosse. A crosse has a very long handle, with a triangular, netted head for catching the hard rubber lacrosse ball. Players use their crosses to carry and throw the ball to each other, ultimately trying to score points by aiming the ball into goals at either end of the field. The origin of the word crosse is the Old French croce, or "bishop's crook."

Example Sentences

Blond Ron Beagle, who offsets his clumsiness with the crosse by his ferocious shoulder blocks, rattled ribs all over the field.

From Time Magazine Archive

Believe the crosse speaks truth, for here he lyes.”

From Old Church Lore by Andrews, William

Drawe two diameters in crosse waies, so that they make foure righte angles in the centre.

From The Path-Way to Knowledg Containing the First Principles of Geometrie by Record, Robert

O Lord Iesv-Christ, Son of the liuing God! interpose, I pray Thee, Thine Own pretious death, 39 Thy crosse and passion, betwixt my soul and Thy185 iudgment, now and in the hour of my death.

From The Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume I (of 2) by Crashaw, Richard

Ile crosse it, though it blast me: stay illusion, If there be any good thing to be done, That may doe ease to thee, and grace to mee, Speake to mee.

From Dramatic Technique by Baker, George Pierce