saltire

[sal-teer, -tahy^uhr, sawl-]

noun

Heraldry.

1. an ordinary in the form of a cross with arms running diagonally from the dexter chief to the sinister base and from the sinister chief to the dexter base; St. Andrew's cross.

saltire

/ ˈsɔːlˌtaɪə /

noun

1. heraldry an ordinary consisting of a diagonal cross on a shield

Word History and Origins

Origin of saltire¹

1350–1400; Middle English sawtire < Middle French sautoir crossed jumping bar < Medieval Latin saltātōrium something pertaining to jumping; saltant, -tory ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of saltire¹

C14 sawturoure, from Old French sauteour cross-shaped barricade, from saulter to jump, from Latin saltāre

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. per saltire, diagonally in both directions.

   party per saltire.

2. in saltire, (of charges) arranged in the form of a saltire.

Example Sentences

The saltire, which was long embraced by supporters of Scottish independence, has now been unfurled for a different cause.

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The streets were a sea of union jacks, St George's crosses, Scottish saltires and Welsh flags as large crowds of protesters amassed near Waterloo Bridge ahead of the 'Unite the Kingdom' march towards Whitehall.

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Council workers have been threatened while removing saltire flags from lampposts in parts of Scotland.

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The comments came after saltires were used at anti-immigration protests outside hotels used to house people in the asylum system, mimicking displays of St George's flags and union flags on England's streets.

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Despite the short list of names to go from Scotland to America's most popular sport, the saltire has been flown at the Super Bowl.

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