Definition

Noun: A long-handled stick with a triangular or oval-shaped head strung with a loose net, used to catch, carry, and throw the ball in the sport of lacrosse.

Usage

The word "crosse" refers specifically to the essential piece of equipment used to play lacrosse. It is always used as a noun.

Examples

• The player skillfully cradled the ball in her crosse while running down the field.
• He bought a new crosse before the start of the lacrosse season.
• The design of the crosse has evolved from wooden sticks to lightweight alloys and composites.

Advanced Usage

• "Pocket of the crosse": Refers to the strung netting part of the head where the ball is held.
  • The depth of the pocket in his crosse was illegal, so he had to restring it.
• "Crosse check": A defensive maneuver in lacrosse where a player uses the shaft of her crosse to impede an opponent.
  • The referee called a penalty for an illegal crosse check.

Variants and Related Words

• Lacrosse stick: This is a more common, descriptive synonym for "crosse." While "crosse" is the traditional term, "lacrosse stick" is frequently used in modern English.
  • She leaned her lacrosse stick against the wall.

Synonyms

• Lacrosse stick

Related Phrases

(Note: "Crosse" itself is not typically used in phrasal verbs or idioms. The related phrases involve the sport of lacrosse.) - To string a crosse: The act of putting the netting into the head of the stick. - It took him an hour to properly string his new crosse.

Noun

1. a long racket with a triangular frame; used in playing lacrosse