saltire

American  

[sal-teer, -tahy^uhr, sawl-] / ˈsæl tɪər, -taɪər, ˈsɔl- /

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.

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idioms

1. per saltire, diagonally in both directions.

   party per saltire.

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

saltire British  

/ ˈsɔːlˌtaɪə /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of saltire

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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC • Oct. 8, 2025

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.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2024

Instead, as she did at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, she’d represent the saltire of Scotland — a nation with its own legal system and church.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 24, 2021

Also fitting was the grimly fascinating collection of VIPs there to cheer him on, among them David Cameron, Ed Miliband and, of course, Alex Salmond, waving a vast Scottish saltire just behind the royal party.

From The Guardian • Jan. 11, 2019

An alpenstock, knapsack, coil of rope worn in saltire, crampons and iron hooks hanging to the belt of an English blouse with broad pleats, completed the accoutrement of this perfect Alpinist.

From Tartarin On The Alps by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott