cross of Calvary

9.9

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

noun

: cruz de Calvario

The church features a stained glass window illustrating the cross of Calvary above the congregation.

Examples

The altar was adorned with a golden cross of Calvary at its center.
In Christian art, the cross of Calvary is depicted as standing on three steps symbolizing faith, hope, and charity.
The cross of Calvary is a powerful symbol for Christians.
Many churches display the cross of Calvary prominently.
In Christian art, the cross of Calvary is often depicted on three steps to symbolize the hill where Jesus was crucified.
The altar in the chapel was beautifully decorated with a carved cross of Calvary representing Jesus' sacrifice.
During the service, the priest pointed to the cross of Calvary, highlighting its significance in the faith.

Synonyms

Calvary cross

vscross of Calvary

9.8

A Latin cross set on three steps often on gravestones or altars

is the same representation but called by a different name

Surface Forms

cross of Calvary singular

crosses of Calvary plural

Morphology

cross + of + Calvary

The phrase is transparently compositional: 'cross' (a Christian symbol) combined with 'Calvary' (the hill of Jesus' crucifixion) directly yields the sense 'the cross at Calvary' or a representation of that cross. The noun + of + place pattern is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should be able to infer the meaning.

Etymology

The cross of Calvary comes from the real cross on the hill called Calvary, where Jesus died. Artists often put the cross on three steps to show faith, hope and charity, so today the phrase means a 'picture' or 'symbol' of that cross.