sb. [CROSS- 3 b.] a. A stitch formed of two stitches crossing each other, thus Ｘ. b. A kind of needlework characterized by stitches crossing each other.
c. 1710. Celia Fiennes, Diary (1888), 296. The Chaires, one red damaske, the other Crostitch and tentstitch very Rich.
1737. Mrs. Pendarves, Lett., in Mrs. Delany’s Corr., 10 Oct. II. 6. Tell me how many pieces of cross-stitch I have left with you.
1856. Mrs. Browning, Aur. Leigh, I. 16. I learnt cross-stitch, because she did not like To see me wear the night with empty hands.
attrib. 1880. Birm. Weekly Post, 2 Oct., 1/5. Cross-stitch embroidery is … applied to all sorts of decorative needlework.
Hence Cross-stitch v., to sew or work with cross stitches.
1794. Rigging & Seamanship, I. 95. All splices are cross-stitched.
