Obs. rare. [ad. late L. staurolatrīa (Tertullian), f. Gr. σταυρό-ς cross + λατρεία worship: see -LATRY.] The worship of the Cross. Hence † Staurolatrian, one who worships the Cross.
1600. O. E. [M. Sutcliffe], Repl. Libel, I. v. 100. With the Staurolatrians they worship the crosse, & crucifixe, giuing to the same diuine worship.
1649. J. Owen, Shaking Heaven & Earth, 26. They … will not hearken to the Angels preaching the everlasting Gospel, that men should worship … the God of heaven … in opposition to all their Iconolatry,… Staurolatry, and Masse abominations.
1684. I. Mather, Ess. Rec. Providences, viii. 272. Satans design in advancing staurolatry to the destruction of thousands of Souls.
