pectoral cross

noun

Ecclesiastical.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral cross¹

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.

Read more on Washington Post

So when a photo surfaced this weekend, just before the fifth Sunday of Lent, of Pope Francis in a long, white, trendy-looking puffer coat with his traditional pectoral cross and white zucchetto cap, it’s not hard to imagine what happened next: People went wild.

Read more on Washington Post

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

Read more on New York Times

Perhaps, he mused, his metal pectoral cross had triggered an alarm.

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

Read more on The Guardian