Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Calvary cross

Calvary cross

9.8
A Latin cross set on three steps often on gravestones or altars
  • noun
  • /ˈkæl.və.ri krɔs/
translation icon : cruz de Calvario
  • The church altar was adorned with a large Calvary cross made of wood.

Examples

  • Several gravestones in the cemetery were engraved with a Calvary cross.

  • In heraldry, the Calvary cross symbolizes the steps leading up to Calvary.

  • The Calvary cross symbolizes sacrifice and redemption.

  • Many artists depict the Calvary cross in their works.

  • The church altar was adorned with a large Calvary cross made of wood.

  • Several gravestones in the cemetery were engraved with a Calvary cross.

  • Many artists depict the Calvary cross in their works.

Synonyms

cross of Calvary
vsCalvary cross
9.9

A cross on three steps that represents the hill where Jesus died on a cross

is used more generally in art and symbolism without naming that hill

Surface Forms

Calvary cross singular
Calvary crosses plural

Morphology

Calvary + cross

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'Calvary' (the place of Jesus' crucifixion) combined with 'cross' (the Christian symbol) straightforwardly yields a cross associated with Calvary/the crucifixion. While the precise ornamental detail (three steps) is a specialized art-historical convention, a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the basic meaning.

Etymology

Calvary cross shows a cross standing on three steps. It comes from the hill called Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, so this picture was used in churches and on graves to remind people of that event and of 'Christ's sacrifice'.