crux simplex
crux simplex · cruces simplices
A single beam or pole without a cross bar for executionsA single beam or pole without a cross bar for executions.
Meaning
2 sensesA single beam or pole without a cross bar for executions.
(historical)The simple pole or stake with which in the Roman Empire common criminals were executed either by being impaled with it or being attached to it, typically with the feet resting on a block to avoid a rapid death by asphyxia and using, for economy, only one nail through the hands (below the palm).
Origin
Unadapted borrowing from Latin; specifically, Medieval Latin, as this collocation to nameUnadapted borrowing from Latin; specifically, Medieval Latin, as this collocation to name the pole used by the ancient Romans comes from Justus Lipsius (1547–1606) rather than from their own use of Latin (Classical Latin).
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Forms
plural: cruces simplices| Singular | crux simplex |
|---|---|
| Plural | cruces simplices |
irregular