ˈkalv(ə)rē, -i noun
( -es )
Usage: sometimes capitalized
Etymology: from Calvary, the hill near the ancient city of Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified, from Middle English Calvarie, from Old English, from Late Latin Calvaria (from Latin, skull), translation of Greek kranion, translation of Aramaic gūlgaltā
1. : a cross with the figure of the crucified Christ typically flanked by two other crosses with figures of thieves and set out of doors as a shrine
2. : experience of intense suffering : trial , ordeal
penury and financial dependency constituted a veritable calvary for Michelangelo — Publ's Mod. Lang. Association of American