[CROSS adv. with object expressed.] = ACROSS prep. Now dial. or poetic: in the latter case commonly written ’cross, as a recognized abbreviation.
Cross lots, more commonly across lots (U.S.): across the lots or fields as a short cut: cf. CROSS-COUNTRY.
1551. Recorde, Pathw. Knowl., I. xxii. Draw a corde or stryng line crosse the circle.
1591. Shaks., 2 Hen. VI., IV. i. 114. I charge thee waft me safely crosse the Channell.
1684. Evelyn, Diary, 24 Jan. Hardly could one see crosse the streetes.
1703. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., 135. Cut into the Girder three Inches cross the Grain of the Stuff.
1761. Foote, Liar, I. Hallooing to a pretty fellow cross the Mall.
c. 1777. Beattie, Hares, 196. The scatter’d clouds fly ’cross the heaven.
1821. Clare, Vill. Minstr., I. 201. Whether sauntering we proceed Cross the green, or down the mead.
¶ See also CROSS- IV.
