[17th c. ad. mod. (16th c.) L. crucifixiōn-em, n. of action f. crucifīgere to CRUCIFY: in F. occasional from c. 1600, but never yet admitted by the Academy.]
1. The action of crucifying, or of putting to death on a cross. b. spec. The Crucifixion: that of Jesus Christ on Calvary.
1649. Jer. Taylor, Gt. Exemp., III. Ad § 15. 132. The accidents happening from the apprehension till the crucifixion of Jesus.
a. 1729. R. Moss, Serm. (1738), VIII. 364. The Jews, who had no such legal Punishment as Crucifixion.
1855. Milman, Lat. Chr., III. v. I. 375. The abolition of Crucifixion as a punishment by Constantine was an act … of religious reverence.
1858. J. Martineau, Stud. Chr., 129. So studiously is every allusion to the crucifixion avoided.
2. fig. † a. Torture, severe pain or anguish (quot. 1648). b. The action of ‘crucifying’ or mortifying (passions, sins, etc.).
1648. Herrick, Hesper., To Sycamores. Do ye prove What crucifixions are in love?
a. 1711. Ken, Hymnarium, Poet. Wks. 1721, II. 111. They’ll be my constant Crucifixions here.
1838. Pusey, Par. Serm. (1873), III. iii. A crucifixion of our passions, appetites, desires.
3. A picture or representation of the Crucifixion of Christ.
1841. W. Spalding, Italy & It. Isl., II. 353. The masterpiece … is the celebrated Crucifixion.
1859. Jephson, Brittany, viii. 113. An incongruous collection of Crucifixions and Venuses.
