[Obs. forms of CRUSADE, founded on med.L. cruciata, It. crociata, and allied Romanic forms: Littré has cruciade in sense b.] a. A crusade. b. A papal bull authorizing a crusade or giving privileges to those who engaged therein.
1429. Petition, in Rymer, Foedera (1710), X. 419. That I may Publishe … the Cruciat [against Bohemia], whiche is committed unto me of oure Holy Fadre … Considered that Cruciats have been late seen in this Land.
1501. Hen. VII., in J. Gairdner, Papers Reigns Rich. III. & Hen. VII. (Rolls), I. 154. That our said souuerain lord will suffre the cruciade to [proceed] and take effect.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. xiii. 59. Few were found open-handed towards this Cruceato [huic cruce signationi].
a. 1670. Hacket, Abp. Williams, II. (1692), 196 (D.). The Pope’s Cruciada drew thousands of Soldiers to adventure into the Holy War.
