cross (krɒs) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) |
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| —n |
| 1. | a structure or symbol consisting essentially of two intersecting lines or pieces at right angles to one another |
| 2. | a wooden structure used as a means of execution, consisting of an upright post with a transverse piece to which people were nailed or tied |
| 3. | a representation of the Cross used as an emblem of Christianity or as a reminder of Christ's death |
| 4. | any mark or shape consisting of two intersecting lines, esp such a symbol (×) used as a signature, point of intersection, error mark, etc |
| 5. | a sign representing the Cross made either by tracing a figure in the air or by touching the forehead, breast, and either shoulder in turn |
| 6. | any conventional variation of the Christian symbol, used emblematically, decoratively, or heraldically, such as a Maltese, tau, or Greek cross |
| 7. | heraldry any of several charges in which one line crosses or joins another at right angles |
| 8. | a cruciform emblem awarded to indicate membership of an order or as a decoration for distinguished service |
| 9. | (sometimes capital) Christianity or Christendom, esp as contrasted with non-Christian religions: Cross and Crescent |
| 10. | the place in a town or village where a cross has been set up |
| 11. | a pipe fitting, in the form of a cross, for connecting four pipes |
| 12. | biology |
| | a. the process of crossing; hybridization |
| | b. an individual produced as a result of this process |
| 13. | a mixture of two qualities or types: he's a cross between a dictator and a saint |
| 14. | an opposition, hindrance, or misfortune; affliction (esp in the phrase bear one's cross) |
| 15. | slang a match or game in which the outcome has been rigged |
| 16. | slang a fraud or swindle |
| 17. | boxing a straight punch delivered from the side, esp with the right hand |
| 18. | football the act or an instance of kicking or passing the ball from a wing to the middle of the field |
| 19. | on the cross |
| | a. diagonally |
| | b. slang dishonestly |
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| —vb |
| 20. | (sometimes foll by over) to move or go across (something); traverse or intersect: we crossed the road |
| 21. | a. to meet and pass: the two trains crossed |
| | b. (of each of two letters in the post) to be dispatched before receipt of the other |
| 22. | (tr; usually foll by out, off, or through) to cancel with a cross or with lines; delete |
| 23. | (tr) to place or put in a form resembling a cross: to cross one's legs |
| 24. | (tr) to mark with a cross or crosses |
| 25. | (Brit) (tr) to draw two parallel lines across the face of (a cheque) and so make it payable only into a bank account |
| 26. | (tr) |
| | a. to trace the form of the Cross, usually with the thumb or index finger upon (someone or something) in token of blessing |
| | b. to make the sign of the Cross upon (oneself) |
| 27. | (intr) (of telephone lines) to interfere with each other so that three or perhaps four callers are connected together at one time |
| 28. | to cause fertilization between (plants or animals of different breeds, races, varieties, etc) |
| 29. | (tr) to oppose the wishes or plans of; thwart: his opponent crosses him at every turn |
| 30. | football to kick or pass (the ball) from a wing to the middle of the field |
| 31. | (tr) nautical to set (the yard of a square sail) athwartships |
| 32. | cross a bridge when one comes to it to deal with matters, problems, etc, as they arise; not to anticipate difficulties |
| 33. | cross one's fingers to fold one finger across another in the hope of bringing good luck: keep your fingers crossed |
| 34. | cross one's heart to promise or pledge, esp by making the sign of a cross over one's heart |
| 35. | cross one's mind to occur to one briefly or suddenly |
| 36. | cross someone's palm to give someone money |
| 37. | cross someone's path to meet or thwart someone |
| 38. | cross swords to argue or fight |
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| —adj |
| 39. | angry; ill-humoured; vexed |
| 40. | lying or placed across; transverse: a cross timber |
| 41. | involving interchange; reciprocal |
| 42. | contrary or unfavourable |
| 43. | another word for crossbred |
| 44. | a Brit slang word for dishonest |
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| [Old English cros, from Old Irish cross (unattested), from Latin crux; see crux] |
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| 'crosser |
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| —n |
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| 'crossly |
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| —adv |
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| 'crossness |
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| —n |