to the cross Meaning of
the cross All
Crosses Crosses by
category Alphabetical
index
Identifya cross
Patonce Cross
The Patonce Cross has expanded ends, like the Pattee Cross, but with each arm terminating in floriated points like the Fleury Cross and Fleur-de-lis Cross
Patonce Cross
Patonce Cross
The Patonce Cross is any form of cross which has expanded ends, like the Pattee Cross, but with each arm terminating in floriated points like the Fleury Cross and Fleur-de-lis Cross. Sometimes there are two petals at the end of each arm, but usually three.
In heraldry, the three petals represent faith, wisdom and chivalry. The four arms spread these to the four corners of the world.
As a Christian Cross, the three petals represent the Trinity and the total twelve petals represent the Apostles.
There may be just one cross arm with this feature and it will still be classified as a Patonce. The orientation may be X or +, elogated † with one arms or have multiple arms ‡. The arms may have straight edges or concave, as shown above. The term 'Patonce' is from the French patte d'once: paw of an ounce (snow leopard). In other words, the term refers to the arm ends.
