[syn: calvary, martyrdom]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Calvary \Cal"va*ry\ (k[a^]l"v[.a]*r[y^]), n. [L. calvaria a bare
skull, fr. calva the scalp without hair. fr. calvus bald; cf.
F. calvaire.]
1. The place where Christ was crucified, on a small hill
outside of Jerusalem. --Luke xxiii. 33.
[1913 Webster]
Note: The Latin calvaria is a translation of the Greek
krani`on of the Evangelists, which is an interpretation
of the Hebrew Golgotha. --Dr. W. Smith.
[1913 Webster]
2. A representation of the crucifixion, consisting of three
crosses with the figures of Christ and the thieves, often
as large as life, and sometimes surrounded by figures of
other personages who were present at the crucifixion.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Her.) A cross, set upon three steps; -- more properly
called cross calvary.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
Calvary
n 1: a hill near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified [syn:
Calvary, Golgotha]
2: any experience that causes intense suffering [syn: calvary,
martyrdom]
Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary:
Calvary
only in Luke 23:33, the Latin name Calvaria, which was used as a
translation of the Greek word _Kranion_, by which the Hebrew
word _Gulgoleth_ was interpreted, "the place of a skull." It
probably took this name from its shape, being a hillock or low,
rounded, bare elevation somewhat in the form of a human skull.
It is nowhere in Scripture called a "hill." The crucifixion of
our Lord took place outside the city walls (Heb. 13:11-13) and
near the public thoroughfare. "This thing was not done in a
corner." (See GOLGOTHA.)
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary (late 1800's):
Calvary, the place of a skull