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Glite Dictionary
papal cross

papal cross

8.9
A cross with three horizontal bars that stands for the Pope
  • noun
translation icon : cruz papal
  • The papal cross is distinguishable by its three horizontal bars.

Examples

  • The Pope is often depicted holding a papal cross during religious ceremonies.

  • The papal cross is a symbol of the Pope's authority.

  • A papal cross is sometimes used in ecclesiastical heraldry.

  • Many churches display the papal cross prominently.

  • The papal cross symbolizes the Pope's spiritual leadership in the Catholic Church.

  • During the mass, the priest held up a papal cross for the congregation to see.

  • In Vatican City, the papal cross is featured prominently on many religious artifacts.

Synonyms

cross
vspapal cross
293 4.0

A shape with a vertical piece and a horizontal piece used as a Christian sign

is a specific form with three horizontal bars used as the Pope's symbol

Surface Forms

papal cross singular
papal crosses plural

Morphology

papal + cross

The meaning is directly derivable from the constituents: 'papal' (pertaining to the Pope) + 'cross' (a Christian cross) yields a cross associated with the Pope. This adjective+noun composition is a straightforward, cross-linguistically common pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both words would understand the general sense (even if they might not know the precise three-bar form).

Etymology

Papal cross is a tall staff topped with three horizontal bars; the three bars were an easy picture to show the Pope's different powers, so the cross became a clear 'symbol' of the Pope and his role.