Christcross

/ˈkrɪstˌkrɔs/ noun

Definition

A variation of the word 'criss-cross' that combines 'Christ' with 'cross', or historically, the pattern of marks on a child's alphabet sheet called a 'Christcross Row.'

Etymology

From 'Christ' plus 'cross'. Historically, the alphabet primer for children was called a 'Christcross Row' because a cross was marked at the beginning to invoke Christ's protection over learning.

Kelly Says

Before 'ABCs,' children learned the alphabet from a 'Christcross Row'—literally a piece of wood or paper with a tiny cross at the beginning, and parents would have kids touch the cross before tracing letters, making education itself a religious act.

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