crux ansata

English

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin crux ansāta, from crux (“cross”) + ansātus (“handled; having handles”).

Noun

crux ansata

  1. Synonym of ankh.
    • 1920, Edward Carpenter, Pagan and Christian Creeds, New York: Harcourt, Brace and Co., published 1921, page 183:
      The well-known T-shaped cross was in use in pagan lands long before Christianity, as a representation of the male member, and also at the same time of the 'tree' on which the god (Attis or Adonis or Krishna or whoever it might be) was crucified; and the same symbol combined with the oval (or yoni) formed the Crux Ansata ☥ of the old Egyptian ritual - a figure which is to-day sold in Cairo as a potent charm, and confessedly indicates the conjunction of the two sexes in one design.
    • 1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 82:
      The Egyptian crux ansata, common on Egyptian monuments and other memorials, is considered by some authorities as a triple phallus.
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