Crozier
/ˈkroʊ.ʒər/noun
A bishop’s ceremonial staff, traditionally curved at the top and symbolizing pastoral authority.
Did you know?The crozier’s curved top is traditionally linked to a shepherd’s crook, presenting the bishop as a spiritual shepherd guiding a flock.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kr̥k- / *kruk-
“A proposed root associated with bending or crookedness, reflected in later cross-related forms; the deeper reconstruction is uncertain.”
Classical Latin
Latin
crux
“A cross, especially an instrument of execution.”
Late Latin
Latin
crocia
“A cross or bishop’s staff.”
12th Century
Old French
croce / crocier
“A cross-shaped staff or one who carries a cross.”
13th Century
Middle English
crosier
“A bishop’s staff or pastoral staff.”
Modern English
English
crozier
“The ceremonial staff carried by a bishop or other high-ranking ecclesiastic.”