patriarchal cross

noun

1. a Latin cross having a shorter crosspiece above the customary one.

patriarchal cross

noun

1. a cross with two high horizontal bars, the upper one shorter than the lower

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriarchal cross¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

On the reverse a holy man is represented on his knees in the attitude of prayer before a patriarchal cross, on either side of which are the letters Alpha and Omega.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

It is a patriarchal cross with piercings at the crossings, and rosettes at the ends of the arms, which are probably later additions.

Read more on Project Gutenberg