Two bones positioned diagonally across each other, traditionally used as a symbol of danger, death, or pirates on flags and skulls.
From 'cross' (Old French 'crois', Latin 'crux') + 'bones' (Old English 'ban'). The image of crossed bones dates to medieval times when it represented danger and mortality in heraldry.
The famous pirate symbol—the skull with crossed bones (called the Jolly Roger)—actually comes from medieval heraldry warning symbols that represented plague and death, making it perfect for intimidating targets!
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