Definition
calvaries
noun
- Plural of calvary; representations of the Crucifixion of Jesus, often as a sculptured or painted scene.
- Plural of calvary; outdoor shrines or wayside crosses, typically found in Catholic regions, depicting scenes from the Passion of Christ.
- Plural of calvary; a place or experience of great suffering or agony.
Usage: religious; often capitalized when referring to the hill in Jerusalem
Usage: religious; chiefly European
Usage: figurative; literary
Examples
- The church displayed several calvaries depicting scenes from the Passion.
- Pilgrims visited the calvaries along the mountain path.
- The artist carved intricate calvaries from wood and stone.
- The family endured many calvaries during the war.
- Medieval calvaries can still be found in villages throughout France.