crossrow

English

Alternative forms

• cross-row

Etymology

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

Noun

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