pectoral cross

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

1. a cross worn on the breast by various prelates, as a designation of office.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pectoral cross¹

First recorded in 1720–30

Example Sentences

Some eagle-eyed people noticed that in the fake image of Pope Francis, the traditional pectoral cross around his neck only had one strap.

From Washington Post

So when a photo surfaced this weekend, just before the fifth Sunday of Lent, of Pope Francis in a long, white, trendy-looking puffer coat with his traditional pectoral cross and white zucchetto cap, it’s not hard to imagine what happened next: People went wild.

From Washington Post

But there was always another weapon in the archbishop’s armory in addition to his pectoral cross: humor.

From New York Times

Perhaps, he mused, his metal pectoral cross had triggered an alarm.

From New York Times

The pectoral cross has survived with its intricate spiral chain, from which it would have been suspended from the neck, displayed across the chest.

From The Guardian