adv. [CROSS- + -WISE.]
1. In the form of a cross; so as to intersect.
1398. Trevisa, Barth. De P. R., IX. xxxi. (1495), 368. On holy Saterdaye newe fyre is fette … and thus [= incense] is putte therin crossewyse.
1577. B. Googe, Heresbach’s Husb., III. (1586), 136. Cut the skinne crossewise.
1686. Horneck, Crucif. Jesus, x. 178. To put their hands crosswise.
1756. Nugent, Gr. Tour, II. 333. Four of these streets are built cross-wise.
1774. Johnson, 23 Aug., in Boswell. A church built crosswise.
1839. Yeowell, Anc. Brit. Ch., xii. (1847), 136. Four holes arranged crosswise.
† b. On croys-wyse: by means of a cross, by crucifixion. Obs. nonce-use.
1393. Langl., P. Pl., C. XXII. 142. Þei … culled hym on croyswyse at caluarye.
† c. With one crossing another, alternately.
1586. W. Webbe, Eng. Poetrie (Arb.), 58. Eche shal containe eyght syllables, and ryme crosse wyse, the first to the thyrd, and the second to the fourth, in this manner.
2. Across, athwart, transversely.
1580. Hollyband, Treas. French Tong, Croiser, to cutte ouerthwarte, or crossewise.
1648. Gage, West Ind., xi. (1655), 38. Great trees newly cut down … and placed crossewise in the way.
1696. Bp. Patrick, Comm. Ex. xxviii. (1697), 555. Not cross-wise from shoulder to shoulder; but long-wise.
1881. Jowett, Thucyd., I. 144. They cut timber … and built … a frame of logs placed cross-wise.
3. fig. In a way opposed to the direct or right; perversely, wrongly.
1594. T. B., La Primaud. Fr. Acad., II. 272. He may seeke after pleasures crosse-wise, and turne cleane out of the way from reason and iudgement.
