take the cross

English

Verb

take the cross (third-person singular simple present takes the cross, present participle taking the cross, simple past took the cross, past participle taken the cross)

1. (chiefly historical) To accept a sign or badge depicting the Christian cross as part of an oath or vow, especially to take part in a crusade.
   • 2007, Edwin Mullins, The Popes of Avignon, Blue Bridge, published 2008, page 63:

     And in this respect he was not alone; noblemen throughout Europe were forever taking the cross and vowing loudly to set sail for the Holy Land, only to discover any number of good reasons for not actually doing so.