English

Alternative forms

• cross-bearer

Noun

cross bearer ‎(plural cross bearers)

1. (Christianity) A person who carries a cross in a Christian religious procession.
   • 1823, Sir Walter Scott, Quentin Durward ch. 18:

     He was at the head of a splendid train of religious, civil and military men, mingled together, or, as the old ballad maker expresses it,

     "With many a cross bearer before,

     And many a spear behind."

   • 1942 May 4, "Religion: Canterbury Pilgrim," Time (retrieved 28 Oct 2015)

     Behind the verger walked a cross-bearer, the Canterbury choristers and seven decrepit beadsmen. Behind the decrepit beadsmen came a long array of Canterbury canons, chaplains and dignitaries in all their robes, followed by pages carrying the maces of Canterbury and York and the cross of Canterbury.

   • 2014 April 18, Andrew Bloss, "Crucifixion re-enacted in Croydon on Good Friday," Your Local Guardian (UK) (retrieved 28 Oct 2015)

     There were three main processions which were led by a cross bearer.

Synonyms

• crucifer