Crosscrosslet

/ˈkrɔːsˈkrɔːslət/ noun

Definition

In heraldry, a small decorative cross with its arms crossed by additional smaller crosses at each end.

Etymology

From 'cross' (Old French 'crois') + 'crosslet' (a diminutive form of cross). This specialized heraldic term emerged in medieval heraldry describing ornamental cross designs.

Kelly Says

Medieval heralds had incredibly precise vocabulary for describing shields—a 'crosscrosslet' is so specific it helps historians identify exactly which medieval family or order a shield belonged to, making it a time capsule of genealogy!

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