saltire

American  

[sal-teer, -tahy^uhr, sawl-] / ˈsæl tɪər, -taɪər, ˈsɔl- /

noun

Heraldry.

1. an ordinary in the form of a cross with arms running diagonally from the dexter chief to the sinister base and from the sinister chief to the dexter base; St. Andrew's cross.

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idioms

1. per saltire, diagonally in both directions.

   party per saltire.

2. in saltire, (of charges) arranged in the form of a saltire.

saltire British  

/ ˈsɔːlˌtaɪə /

noun

1. heraldry an ordinary consisting of a diagonal cross on a shield

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Etymology

Origin of saltire

1350–1400; Middle English sawtire < Middle French sautoir crossed jumping bar < Medieval Latin saltātōrium something pertaining to jumping; saltant, -tory ²

Example Sentences

An illustration featuring trees will replace a lion rampant holding a saltire flag.

From BBC

In the prosperous Renfrewshire village of Bridge of Weir, the hoisting of saltires has led to a row on the local Facebook group.

From BBC

The streets were a sea of union jacks, St George's crosses, Scottish saltires and Welsh flags as large crowds of protesters amassed near Waterloo Bridge ahead of the 'Unite the Kingdom' march towards Whitehall.

From BBC

The spread of saltire flags in Scotland comes after similar scenes in England, where union jacks and St George's flags were hung on lampposts and painted on traffic islands.

From BBC

Councils in the north east of Scotland have said they will remove saltires which have been tied to street lights without permission after dozens appeared in recent weeks.

From BBC