saltire

[ sal-teer, -tahyuhr, 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. in saltire, (of charges) arranged in the form of a saltire.
2. per saltire, diagonally in both directions:

   party per saltire.

Example Sentences

Someone has added a small Saltire to one of the wreaths, paying tribute to a shared history that was forged in battle.

From The Daily Beast

“One extra Saltire among a sea of flags seems like a fair way to celebrate,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

The end of this desk displays a shield charged with two keys in saltire, for the see of York.

From Project Gutenberg

First Master of the Household: Under his arms two batons in saltire.

From Project Gutenberg

The Precentor: Argent, on a saltire azure a fleur-de-lis or.

From Project Gutenberg

The Treasurer: Gules, a saltire between four leopards' heads or.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither at that moment would Lord Saltire have heard her if she had.

From Project Gutenberg