cross-bearer
|cross-bear-er|
🇺🇸
/ˈkrɔsˌbɛrər/
🇬🇧
/ˈkrɒsˌbeərə/
one who carries a cross / burden-bearer
Etymology
'cross-bearer' originates from English, specifically the words 'cross' and 'bearer', where 'cross' derives ultimately from Latin 'crux' (via Old English 'cros' and Old Norse 'kross') meaning 'an instrument of crucifixion' and 'bearer' comes from Old English 'beran' meaning 'to carry'.
'cross' changed from Old English 'cros' (influenced by Old Norse 'kross') and ultimately from Latin 'crux'; 'bearer' developed from Old English 'beran' with the agentive suffix '-er' to mean 'one who carries'. These elements combined in later Middle/Modern English to form the compound 'cross-bearer'.
Initially it literally meant 'one who carries a cross' (often in liturgical or processional contexts); over time it also acquired a figurative sense of 'one who bears burdens or suffers on behalf of others'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who carries a cross, especially in a religious procession or liturgical ceremony.
At the Easter procession the cross-bearer led the clergy down the nave.
Synonyms
Noun 2
figurative: someone who endures suffering or accepts a heavy burden or responsibility on behalf of others.
He became the family's cross-bearer, taking on debts and long hours to support them.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/10 06:23