to sign
- verb
- /saɪn/
- Just sign next to the cross.
Examples
-
And I didn't know what to say, you know, So I just, you know, try to do the sign of the cross, even though I didn't know it.
-
- Sign by the cross, sir.
-
Lucy saw one of the sailors glance over his shoulder and sign an unobtrusive cross on his breast.
Fiction book (1994) -
Rather, by the help of Your grace, may he escape the sentence which he deserves, for during his earthly life, he was signed with the seal of the Holy Trinity.
-
Wizened fingers felt the offering, then signed a benediction, waving her into the shrine.
Fiction book (1998) -
And now we will prepare to partake of the sacrament by signing hymn number 193, "I Stand All Amazed," following which the sacrament will be blessed and passed by the Aaronic Priesthood.
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He made the sign of the cross to bless the congregation before the service began.
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After each prayer, she would sign the cross over her heart as a symbol of faith.
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To invoke protection for her children, she quickly signed the cross over them before they left for school.
Synonyms
To make something holy by a religious act
To touch your forehead, chest, and shoulders as a Christian religious sign
Idioms
Phrasal Verbs
Agree to join an organization or start working for a company, usually by signing a contract
- Formal
Officially agree to a written deal between countries by putting your name on it
- Specialized
Enter your user name and password to access a computer or online service
Compounds
- Specialized
Measurements like heart rate or blood pressure that show how well the body is working
A language using hand signs and face movements to communicate, often used by people who are deaf
A language of hand signs and body movements used by deaf people in the United States and parts of Canada
One of twelve parts of the sky used in astrology to show personality and give horoscopes
A gesture made by holding up the index and middle fingers in a V shape to show victory or peace
- Specialized
A big toe moving upward when the sole is stroked, normal in babies but showing nerve damage in adults
- Archaic
A purplish colour of the lining of the vagina that appears in early pregnancy
- Specialized
A sign when the knee cannot fully straighten with the thigh bent, showing a possible brain infection
- Specialized
Blue colour of fingers and toes when tiny blood vessels tighten from cold or stress
- UK
The written name of a king or queen on an official document showing personal approval
- Specialized
A Cyrillic letter that makes the consonant before it sound with the tongue near the roof of the mouth
Surface Forms
Etymology
The verb sign in religious actions comes from the Latin signare, meaning 'to mark' or 'seal'. To sign someone with the sign of the cross is to make a sacred mark or blessing, which is why the word is used for this action.