Crosier: meaning, definitions and examples
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crosier
[ ˈkrō-zhər ]
religious symbol
A crosier is a decorated shepherd's staff that is typically carried by bishops and some abbots in Christian traditions. It symbolizes the pastoral office and the role of the bishop as a shepherd of their congregation. The crosier often features a curved or crook-like end, representing the shepherd's tool for guiding sheep.
Synonyms
bishop's staff, pastoral staff, shepherd's crook.
Examples of usage
- The bishop raised his crosier during the ceremony.
- In many churches, the crosier is an important symbol of authority.
- The crosier was elaborately designed with gold and jewels.
Translations
Translations of the word "crosier" in other languages:
🇵🇹 crosier
🇮🇳 क्रॉसियर
🇩🇪 Kreuzstab
🇮🇩 crosier
🇺🇦 крос'єр
🇵🇱 krosier
🇯🇵 クロージャー
🇫🇷 crosier
🇪🇸 crosier
🇹🇷 sınav
🇰🇷 크로지어
🇸🇦 عصا الأسقف
🇨🇿 křížový hůl
🇸🇰 krížový hrot
🇨🇳 主教杖
🇸🇮 krožnik
🇮🇸 krossari
🇰🇿 кросьер
🇬🇪 კროსიერი
🇦🇿 кросьер
🇲🇽 crosier
Etymology
The word 'crosier' comes from the Anglo-Norman term 'crosier' or 'croissier', which itself derives from the Latin 'croceus', meaning 'crossed' or 'cross-like'. This etymology is reflective of its design and symbolism. Historically, crosiers have been used in Christian liturgical ceremonies since at least the 5th century, symbolizing the pastoral care of the clergy towards their congregations, akin to a shepherd's care for their sheep. As the church evolved, the crosier became a significant symbol of ecclesiastical authority, specifically associated with bishops. The design and ornamentation of crosiers have varied widely across cultures and periods, often showcasing local craftsmanship and artistic styles, indicating the status and wealth of the church.