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

The true count stood grinning by, and held the paint-pot, while the sham count painted a shield with three red herrings rampant under a sort of Maltese cross made with two ell-measures.

From The Cloister and the Hearth A Tale of the Middle Ages by Reade, Charles