Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A combination of the Greek letters
chi andrho , displayed☧ .
Etymologies
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Examples
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Pulcheria with the elaborately jeweled coiffure typical of imperial female portraits of the fifth century; on the reverse, an image of the goddess Victory paints the Christian chi-rho symbol onto a shield.
Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010
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Indeed it was the coins of Aelia Flaccilla, Eudoxia, and Pulcheria to whom Western die-cutters looked for inspiration, depicting a bejeweled Placidia with a diadem set over her wavy hair, her paludamentum cloak secured by a fibula brooch and the sleeve adorned by the Christian chi-rho monogram.
Caesars’ Wives Annelise Freisenbruch 2010
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There was also a symbol on the reverse similar to the religious "chi-rho" sign with letters added which also could spell the word "paradox".
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It is a wonder he did not mention the symbol of the name of Christ (~chi-rho~), the cross which is found on ancient gems, and Noah's ark.
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The Christian sarcophagi were ornamented with indifferent or symbolic designs = = palms, peacocks, vines, with the chi-rho monogram (long before Constantine), with bas-reliefs of Christ as the Good Shepherd, or seated between figures of saints, and sometimes, as in the famous one of Julius Bassus with elaborate scenes from the New Testament.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913
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In the next century the "sigla" (chi-rho) occurs not only as an abbreviation but also as a symbol.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913
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The Christian character of the scene is shown by the chi-rho chrisma, the alpha and omega, and the martyr's crown.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 10: Mass Music-Newman 1840-1916 1913
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Both simple crosses and the chi-rho monogram are common ornaments of catacombs; combined with palm branches, lambs and other symbols they form an obvious symbol of
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 7: Gregory XII-Infallability 1840-1916 1913
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Some archaeologists have professed to discover a figure of the Crown of Thorns in the circle which sometimes surrounds the chi-rho emblem on early Christian sarcophagi, but it seems to be quite as probable that this is only meant for a laurel-wreath.
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 4: Clandestinity-Diocesan Chancery 1840-1916 1913
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The chrismon, or chi-rho, has already been mentioned as the earliest forms in which the cross appear in Christian art [Section I (4)].
The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 4: Clandestinity-Diocesan Chancery 1840-1916 1913
whichbe commented on the word chi-rho
The first two letters in the Greek spelling of the word Christ, and so have come to be used for a number of Christian-related usages. The Chi Rho is one of the earliest cruciform symbols used by Christians. It is formed by superimposing the first two letters of the word "Christ" in Greek, chi = ch and rho = r. Although not technically a cross, the Chi Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus as well as symbolizing his status as the Christ. (Wikipedia)
October 28, 2008