Wiktionary
vb. (context chiefly historical English) To accept a sign, badge of the Christian cross as part of an oath or vow, especially to take part in a crusade.
Usage examples of "take the cross".
You look away, then I take the cross off, and we go on about our business, but it doesn't glow.
He could not in good conscience, his ministers told him, take the cross against the Turks until the Church was reunited.
And Jules, one of our smiths, who could crush iron in his hands, kneel and take the Cross.
Shasa, thank God, was out of it, galloping wide down the sideline ready to take the cross as his own number one, another thrusting young player, challenged Clive Ramsay in centre field.
As Kim drew near, Janet reached out to take the cross, but Kim passed by her, her eyes never wavering from—.
It's time to take the cross and the stake and go down into the vampire's cellar once and for all.
Get up, open the door like a man, go take the cross from him and put it on your own shoulders.
Whosoever would become a soldier for Christ, let them come forward now and, before this devout assembly, let them take the cross!