Maltese cross

noun

1. a cross having four equal arms that expand in width outward.
2. scarlet lychnis.

Maltese cross

noun

1. a cross with triangular arms that taper towards the centre, sometimes having indented outer sides: formerly worn by the Knights of Malta
2. (in a film projector) a cam mechanism of this shape that produces intermittent motion

Word History and Origins

Origin of Maltese cross¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

(p. 075) The next afternoon he was riding up the river to the Maltese Cross when he heard hoofs behind him.

From Project Gutenberg

In buying out the Maltese Cross, Roosevelt had bought only cattle and horses; not buildings or land.

From Project Gutenberg

Fisher made up his mind that he knew all he needed to know about the new owner of the Maltese Cross.

From Project Gutenberg

Next day they set out on the three-hundred-mile journey home to the Maltese Cross.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw a rider coming from the direction of the Maltese Cross, and it seemed to him that the rider looked like Roosevelt.

From Project Gutenberg