st. andrew's cross

Thân thiện

A flag with a white St. Andrew's Cross flies on a tall pole.

Definition

Noun: 1. A cross resembling the letter X, with diagonal bars of equal length: A geometric symbol or heraldic charge consisting of two straight lines crossing each other diagonally, forming an 'X' shape. It is named after Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, who is traditionally said to have been martyred on a cross of this shape.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The national flag of Scotland features a white St. Andrew's Cross on a blue field.
  • In heraldry, the St. Andrew's Cross is a common charge, often symbolizing martyrdom or suffering.
  • The intersection was marked on the map with a St. Andrew's Cross.

Advanced Usage

• "Saltire": This is the formal heraldic term for a St. Andrew's Cross. The two terms are often used interchangeably, especially in vexillology (the study of flags) and heraldry.
  • The flag of Jamaica features a gold saltire, dividing it into four sections.

Variants and Related Words

• Saltire (n): The heraldic name for a St. Andrew's cross.
• Crux decussata (n): A less common, historical Latin term for the same shape.

Synonyms

• Diagonal cross
• X-shaped cross
• Saltire

Related Phrases and Idioms

• St. Andrew's Cross is itself the name of the symbol and is used directly. There are no common phrasal verbs or idioms based on this specific term. It is primarily a descriptive noun for the symbol itself.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a cross resembling the letter x, with diagonal bars of equal length

Từ đồng nghĩa

• St. Andrew's cross
• saltire