CROSS
—none. 1 upright post with a transverse bar, as used in antiquity for crucifixion. 2 a (the cross) cross on which christ was crucified. B representation of this as an emblem of christianity. C = *sign of the cross. 3 staff surmounted by a cross, carried in a religious procession. 4 thing or mark like a cross, esp. Two short intersecting lines (+ or x). 5 cross-shaped military etc. Decoration. 6 a hybrid. B crossing of breeds etc. 7 (foll. By between) mixture of two things. 8 crosswise movement, pass in football, etc. 9 trial or affliction. —verb. 1 (often foll. By over) go across. 2 intersect; (cause to) be across (roads cross; cross one`s legs). 3 a draw line(s) across. B mark (a cheque) with two parallel lines to indicate that it cannot be cashed. 4 (foll. By off, out, through) cancel etc. By drawing lines across. 5 (often refl.) Make the sign of the cross on or over. 6 a pass in opposite or different directions. B (of letters etc.) Be sent at the same time. C (of telephone lines) be connected to an unwanted conversation. 7 a cause to interbreed. B cross-fertilize (plants). 8 oppose or thwart (crossed in love). —adjective. 1 (often foll. By with) peevish, angry. 2 (usually. Attrib.) Transverse; reaching from side to side. 3 (usually. Attrib.) Intersecting. 4 (usually. Attrib.) Contrary, opposed, reciprocal. ? at cross purposes misunderstanding; conflicting. Cross one`s fingers (or keep one`s fingers crossed) 1 put one finger across another to ward off bad luck. 2 trust in good luck. Cross one`s heart make a solemn pledge, esp. By crossing one`s front. Cross one`s mind occur to one, esp. Transiently. Cross swords (often foll. By with) argue or dispute. Cross wires (or get one`s wires crossed) 1 become wrongly connected by telephone. 2 have a misunderstanding. On the cross diagonally. ? crossly adverb. Crossness none. [latin crux]