1 saltire | Definition of saltire

saltire

noun
sal·​tire | \ ˈsȯl-ËŒtÄ«(-É™)r How to pronounce saltire (audio) , ˈsal-\

Definition of saltire

: a heraldic charge consisting of a cross formed by a bend and a bend sinister crossing in the center

Examples of saltire in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Before the results were announced, musicians played bagpipes to a saltire-waving crowd; the next day, unionists clashed with independence supporters, the former firing a flare, which led to violence and arrests. Rebecca Nathanson, Harper's magazine, "English Referendums and Scotch Voters," 19 June 2019 The star on the cloaks includes a saltire, which resembles St. Andrew's cross, and a medallion featuring a bejeweled thistle. Erica Gonzales, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince William's Super Ornate Outfit in Scotland Is Full of Royal Symbolism," 6 July 2018 The Addition of the Saltire of Saint Patrick Scotland’s saltire is said to be divinely inspired, but Ireland’s addition is more prosaic. Joseph Flaherty, WIRED, "Scotland Saves the Union Jack, a True Design Masterpiece," 19 Sep. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'saltire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of saltire

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for saltire

Middle English sautire, from Anglo-French sautour

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More from Merriam-Webster on saltire

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with saltire

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about saltire