cross bearer

plural cross bearers · alternative crossbearer · alternative cross-bearer

1. ChristianityA person who carries a cross in a Christian religious procession.

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

   2014 April 18, Andrew Bloss, “Crucifixion re-enacted in Croydon on Good Friday”, in Your Local Guardian, UK, retrieved 28 Oct 2015

   2 more examples

   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."

   1823, Sir Walter Scott, chapter 18, in Quentin Durward

   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.

   1942 May 4, “Religion: Canterbury Pilgrim”, in Time, retrieved 28 Oct 2015

   Synonyms: crucifer