cross

cross definition: how it applies in U.S. law, with examples and frequently asked questions.

A geometrical figure consisting of two straight lines or bars intersecting each other such that at least one of them is bisected by the other.

A guide to cross

(Noun) A geometrical figure consisting of two straight lines or bars intersecting each other such that at least one of them is bisected by the other.
• Any geometric figure having this or a similar shape, such as a cross of Lorraine or a Maltese cross.
• A wooden post with a perpendicular beam attached and used (especially in the Roman Empire) to execute criminals (by crucifixion).
• Alternative letter-case form of Cross (“the Crucifix, the cross on which Christ was crucified”).
• A hand gesture made in imitation of the shape of the Cross; sign of the cross.
• Any representation of the crucifix, as in religious architecture, burial markers, jewelry, etc.
• A difficult situation that must be endured.
• The act of going across; the act of passing from one side to the other
• An animal or plant produced by crossbreeding or cross-fertilization.
• One element of a hybrid species or type.
• A hybrid of any kind.
• A hook thrown over the opponent's punch.
• A pass in which the ball is kicked from a side of the pitch to a position close to the opponent’s goal.
• A place where roads intersect and lead off in four directions; a crossroad (common in UK and Irish place names such as Gerrards Cross).
• A monument that marks such a place. (Also common in UK or Irish place names such as Charing Cross)
• A coin stamped with the figure of a cross, or that side of such a piece on which the cross is stamped; hence, money in general.
• Church lands.
• A line across or through another line.
• An instrument for laying of offsets perpendicular to the main course.
• A pipe-fitting with four branches whose axes usually form a right angle.
• Four edge cubies of one side that are in their right places, forming the shape of a cross.
• The thirty-sixth Lenormand card.
• A betrayal; dishonest practices, especially deliberately losing a sporting contest.
• Crossfire.

(Adjective) Transverse; lying across the main direction.
• Opposite, opposed to.
• Opposing, adverse; being contrary to what one would hope or wish for.
• Bad-tempered, angry, annoyed; tinged with anger.
• Made in an opposite direction, or an inverse relation; mutually inverse; interchanged.
• Of the sea, having two wave systems traveling at oblique angles, due to the wind over shifting direction or the waves of two storm systems meeting.
• Dishonest.

(Preposition) Across.
• The cross product of the previous vector and the following vector.

(Verb) To make or form a cross. To place across or athwart; to cause to intersect.
• To place across or athwart; to cause to intersect.
• To lay or draw something across, such as a line.
• To mark with an X.
• To write lines of text at right angles to and over the top of one another in order to save paper.( Crossed letter on WikipediaWikipedia )
• To make the sign of the cross over oneself.
• To make the sign of the cross over (something or someone).
• To mark a cross against the name of (a student) in the buttery or kitchen, so that they cannot get food there.
• To move relatively. To go from one side of (something) to the other.
• To go from one side of (something) to the other.
• To travel in a direction or path that will intersect with that of another.
• To pass, as objects going in an opposite direction at the same time.
• Relative movement by a player or of players. Of both batsmen, to pass each other when running between the wickets in order to score runs. To pass the ball from one side of the pitch to the other side.
• Of both batsmen, to pass each other when running between the wickets in order to score runs.
• To pass the ball from one side of the pitch to the other side.
• To score a try.
• To oppose. To contradict (another) or frustrate the plans of.
• To contradict (another) or frustrate the plans of.
• To interfere and cut off ; to debar.
• To conduct a cross examination; to question a hostile witness.
• To cross-fertilize or crossbreed.
• To stamp or mark (a cheque) in such a way as to prevent it being cashed, thus requiring it to be deposited into a bank account.

Why cross is relevant in U.S. law

cross appears in U.S. legal practice across multiple practice areas. Knowing what it means — and when it applies — can determine the outcome of motions, filings, and negotiations. For non-lawyers, the value of looking up a precise definition is that legal terms often carry meanings that differ from everyday usage; relying on the common meaning can lead to costly missteps.

When and how cross applies

In practice, cross is invoked when parties, judges, or attorneys need to identify the legal status of an issue, the rights of those involved, or the procedural step required next. The definition shown above is sourced from Wiktionary , which is widely cited in U.S. legal practice. Because U.S. law is jurisdictionally layered — federal, state, and sometimes local — the precise application of the term can vary by court, so check the controlling authority for your specific case.

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Source: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0

This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and definitions can vary by jurisdiction. Consult a licensed attorney for advice on your specific situation.

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