1
Stage 1 of 4
crux
Latin · ancient
"a crucifix, a wooden frame"
the wooden structure used for crucifixion, later a symbol of Christian faith
2
Stage 2 of 4
cros
Old Irish · medieval
"a Christian cross symbol"
carried through early Christian missionary contact into Irish
3
Stage 3 of 4
kross
Old Norse · medieval
"a cross-shaped symbol"
adopted from Irish contact and carried into English through Scandinavian settlement
4
Stage 4 of 4
cross
English · 1100s
"an intersection of two lines, or the Christian symbol"
settled as the standard English word for the cross shape and symbol
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