The city in Palestine so called; the Holy City. Hence attrib. or ellipt. in the following, among other uses: Jerusalem jump (see quot.); Jerusalem letters, letters or symbols tattooed on the arm or body, such as pilgrims or visitors to Jerusalem sometimes bore, in testimony or memory of their visit; Jerusalem pony and ellipt. Jerusalem, a donkey (in reference to Christ’s riding into J. on an ass). Also in numerous plant-names and other combinations, as Jerusalem ARTICHOKE, CROSS, etc.: see these words.
1615. G. Sandys, Trav., 159. They bare five crosses gules, in forme of that which is at this day called the *Ierusalem crosse.
1697. Dampier, Voy., 514. The Jerusalem Cross is made in Mens Arms, by pricking the skin, and rubbing in a pigment.
1877. W. Jones, Finger-ring, 265. Two signet-rings, also bearing as a device the ‘Jerusalem Cross.’
1887. Lang, Myth, Ritual & Relig., II. 240. The Voodoo-dance is consecrated as the *‘Jerusalem Jump.’
1760–72. H. Brooke, Fool of Qual. (1809), II. 16. If heaven should ever bless me with more children,… I have determined to fix some indelible mark upon them, such as that of the *Jerusalem-Letters.
1716. Lond. Gaz., No. 5400/4. He is … well set, with a Scar on his right Cheek, and the *Jerusalem Mark on his Arm.
1806. in H. Martin, Brighton (1871), 156. The *Jerusalem ponies have been in high requisition all the morning.
1840. P. Parley’s Ann., I. 218. Mrs. Button … at last thought of trying her Jerusalem poney in the streets.
1878. Daily News, 16 Sept., 3/1. Jerusalems, alias living donkeys, are plentiful in the market.
