Crosslet

Cross Crosslet

§17. Crosslet, (fr. croissette or petit croix): two or more crosses are sometimes borne in the same coat, and are then termed crosslets. If only two or three are borne they may be termed crosses or crosslets. If more, they must be termed crosslets. They are drawn couped, but it is not necessary to mention that circumstance, because they could not be otherwise.

William de SARREN, d'azur a trois crois d'or--Roll, temp. HEN. III.

Or, three crosses gules--DE LA MAYNE.

Distinct, however, from the crosslet is the cross crosslet, or, as it is sometimes, though rarely, termed a cross crossed(fr. croix croisée). By rights, however, a cross crossed is equivalent to a cross crosslet fixed, that is, the arms extend to the extremities of the escutcheon.

The Cross crosslet is often borne fitched; it may also have each extremity formed like those of the cross pattée, and it is then called a Cross crosslet pattée.

But further, a Cross crosslet may be itself crossed(fr. recroissetée), though there have been differences of opinion as to its character. The true signification of this term seems to be a cross composed of four cross crosslets, but Gerard Leigh represents it as shewn in the margin.

Or, a cross crosslet fitchy azure--Gilbert IRONSIDE(Bp. of Bristol, 1689).

Argent, a cross crosslet pattée sable--WYKERSLEY.

Gules, a cross crosslet argent--CHRISTIAN, Ireland.

Or, a cross crosslet azure--CARROLL, Ireland.

Argent, a cross crosslet azure--BRITTON.

Gules, a cross crosslet crossed next the centre on the upper and lower limbs or--CHADERTON, Harl. MS. 1465.

Argent, a cross crosslet crossed(or, as Leigh expresses it, double-crossed) pattée[at all the extremities] sable--BARROW.