A subdeacon who bears a cross before an archbishop or primate on solemn occasions.
Webster 1828 Edition
Cross-bearer
CROSS-BEARER
,
Noun.
In the Romish church, the chaplain of an archbishop or primate, who bears a cross before him on solemn occasions. Also, a certain officer in the inquisition, who makes a vow before the inquisitors to defend the Catholic faith, though with the loss of fortune and life.