crossrow

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English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From cross +‎ row. For its use as a name for the alphabet, see Christcross-row.

Noun

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crossrow (plural crossrows)

  1. A row that crosses others.
    • 1961, California Agricultural Experiment Station, Circular: Issues 501-542:
      To achieve straight crossrows, you will need guide lines so that you can align the trees up and down the slope.
  2. (obsolete) The alphabet, or Christcross-row.
    • c. 1515–1516, published 1568, John Skelton, Againſt venemous tongues enpoyſoned with ſclaunder and falſe detractions &c.:
      For before on your breſt, and behind on your back,
      In Romaine letters I never founde lack
      In your croſſe rowe nor Chriſt croſſe you ſpede,
      Your Pater noſter, your Ave, nor your Crede.
    • c. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: []”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies [] (First Folio), London: [] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene i]:
      And from the cross-row plucks the letter G