a. [a. late L. crucifer cross-bearing + -OUS.]

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  1.  Bearing, wearing, or adorned with, a cross.

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1656.  Blount, Glossogr., Cruciferous, he that bears the Cross.

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1670.  G. H., Hist. Cardinals, III. III. 317. The Convent of the Cruciferous Fryers.

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1875.  Maskell, Ivories, 30. The head of Christ with a cruciferous nimbus.

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  2.  Bot. Belonging to the order Cruciferæ; bearing flowers with four equal petals arranged crosswise. Also said of the flowers or petals; = CRUCIATE, CRUCIFORM.

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1851.  Glenny, Handbk. Fl. Gard., 25. The flowers being small, white, of the cruciferous form.

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1868.  Duncan, Insect World, iii. 91. The cabbage and most of the cruciferous plants.

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