Two fine lines or wires that cross at right angles in the focal plane of an optical instrument, used for precise aiming. Metaphorically means being targeted or under intense scrutiny.
Compound of 'cross' and 'hairs', originally referring to actual fine hairs or wires arranged in a cross pattern in telescopic sights. The term emerged in the 19th century with improved optical instruments.
Before modern optical technology, crosshairs were literally made from spider webs or human hair! Spider silk was preferred because of its incredible tensile strength and uniform thickness - nature's perfect engineering for precision instruments.
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