Bible Encyclopedias
Potent, Cross

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

in heraldry, a cross crutch-shaped at each extremity. It is also called a Jerusalem cross, from its occurrence in the insignia of the Christian kingdom of Jerusalem, which are, Argent a cross potent between four crosslets. This coat is remarkable as being a departure from the usual heraldic rule which prohibits the placing of metal upon metal.