Definition

Proper noun 1. The First Crusade: A specific military expedition and religious campaign sanctioned by the Latin Church, which took place from 1096 to 1099. It resulted in the capture of Jerusalem and the establishment of Crusader states, notably the Kingdom of Jerusalem, which functioned as a theocracy.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The First Crusade was launched by Pope Urban II in 1095.
  • Historians study the motivations of those who participated in the First Crusade.
  • The capture of Jerusalem in 1099 was the primary objective of the First Crusade.

Advanced Usage

• "the First Crusade" as a historical benchmark: The term is often used to mark the beginning of a series of major medieval conflicts between Europe and the Levant.
  • The events of the First Crusade set a precedent for the religious wars that followed over the next two centuries.

Variants and Related Words

• Crusade (n): (1) Any of the medieval military expeditions undertaken by European Christians to recover the Holy Land from Muslim rule. (2) A vigorous concerted movement for a cause or against an abuse.
• Crusader (n): A person who participated in a crusade.
• Theocracy (n): A system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god.

Synonyms

• The initial/opening Crusade (used descriptively, not as a proper name).

Related Phrases

• To launch a crusade: To initiate a vigorous campaign for a cause.
  • She launched a crusade for environmental reform.
• On a crusade: To be engaged in a determined effort.
  • He is on a crusade to improve literacy rates.

Related Idioms

• A crusading spirit: A determined and zealous attitude toward achieving a reform or goal.
  • She tackled the problem with a crusading spirit.

Noun

1. a Crusade from 1096 to 1099; captured Jerusalem and created a theocracy there