pectoral cross

American  

noun

Ecclesiastical.

1. a cross worn on the breast by various prelates, as a designation of office.

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Etymology

Origin of pectoral cross

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Some eagle-eyed people noticed that in the fake image of Pope Francis, the traditional pectoral cross around his neck only had one strap.

From Washington Post • Mar. 31, 2023

But there was always another weapon in the archbishop’s armory in addition to his pectoral cross: humor.

From New York Times • Dec. 26, 2021

The pectoral cross has survived with its intricate spiral chain, from which it would have been suspended from the neck, displayed across the chest.

From The Guardian • Dec. 13, 2020

In 2016, Francis made Czerny his personal point-man on migrant issues, and the pectoral cross he sported Saturday showed he took the mission to heart: It was made of wood from a migrant ship.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2019

There was a moment of dead silence, while the bishop’s hand strayed vaguely to his pectoral cross and Gawaine’s clenched itself in the bed clothes.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White