patriarchal cross

American  

noun

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

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patriarchal cross British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of patriarchal cross

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.

From 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.

From Project Gutenberg