crucifer
(ˈkruːsɪfə(r))
[a. late L. crucifer cross-bearer (applied by Prudentius to Christ).]
1. Eccl. An attendant who carries a cross in a procession; a cross-bearer.
| 1574 Life 70th Abp. Canterb. Pref. D iij b, What fees weare bestowed on his crucifer Marshall, and other seruantes. 1865 Reader 24 June 706 The procession, headed by a crucifer, left the school-room. 1888 F. G. Lee in Archæol. LI. 365 note, The bishop of Rochester..is official crucifer to the archbishops of Canterbury. |
2. Bot. A cruciferous plant: see next.
| 1846 Lindley Veg. Kingd. 352 Almost all Crucifers are destitute of bracts. 1872 Oliver Elem. Bot. ii. 139 All Crucifers are wholesome, and many are anti-scorbutic. |