plague cross

A "plague cross" served as a warning during historical pandemics, notably the Black Death, indicating the presence of contagious disease.

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Definition

(historical)A symbol marked on buildings to indicate that the occupants were infected with a contagious disease.

During the plague, many houses bore a plague cross to warn others of the danger within.

(historical)A structure set up outside market areas during a plague to allow trading while reducing the risk of spreading the disease.

Merchants would meet at the plague cross to exchange goods safely during the outbreak.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "plague cross":