n. & v.
n. 1 a any of several medieval military expeditions made by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims. b a war instigated by the Church for alleged religious ends. 2 a vigorous campaign in favour of a cause.
v.intr. engage in a crusade. crusader n.
[ earlier croisade (F f. croix cross) or crusado (Sp. f. cruz cross) ]