9 January 2017
saltire
[sal-teer, -tahyuh r, sawl-]
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.
Idioms
2. in saltire, (of charges) arranged in the form of a saltire.
3. per saltire, diagonally in both directions:
party per saltire.
Also, saltier.
Origin of saltire
Middle English, Middle French, Medieval Latin
1350-1400; Middle English sawtire < Middle French sautoir crossed jumping bar < Medieval Latin saltātōrium something pertaining to jumping; see saltant, -tory2
Dictionary.com
Examples from the Web for saltire
Contemporary Examples
Someone has added a small saltire to one of the wreaths, paying tribute to a shared history that was forged in battle.
Voter Intimidation Grips Scotland as It Votes on Independence
Nico Hines
September 17, 2014
“One extra saltire among a sea of flags seems like a fair way to celebrate,” he said.
Andy Murray Survived Dunblane School Massacre Before Winning Wimbledon
Nico Hines
July 8, 2013
Historical Examples
The Chancellor: Gules, a saltire argent between four crosslets or.
A Complete Guide to Heraldry
Arthur Charles Fox-Davies
The Chancellor of France bore two maces in saltire behind his shield.
French Book-plates
Walter Hamilton
The end of this desk displays a shield charged with two keys in saltire, for the see of York.
Bell’s Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon
Cecil Walter Charles Hallett
The General of the Galleys: Two anchors in saltire behind the arms.
A Complete Guide to Heraldry
Arthur Charles Fox-Davies
The first night at Cottingdean Lord saltire had his writing-desk unpacked, and took therefrom a rusty key.
Ravenshoe
Henry Kingsley
The Precentor: Argent, on a saltire azure a fleur-de-lis or.
A Complete Guide to Heraldry
Arthur Charles Fox-Davies
Very shortly after this, good Lord saltire had to retire for a time into the upper chambers; he had a severe attack of gout.
Ravenshoe
Henry Kingsley
The arms attributed to him, and emblazoned on the banner bearing his name, are azure, a saltire argent.
History of the National Flag of the United States of America
Schuyler Hamilton
Anagram
realist
stir ale
laser it
Today’s quote
He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.
On this day
9 January 1324 – death of Marco Polo, Italian explorer. Born 15 September 1254.
9 January 1944 – birth of Jimmy Page, legendary British guitarist and song-writer. Co-founder of iconic rock band, Led Zeppelin.