calvary

From Late Latin calvāria (“skull”). Doublet of calavera and calvaria.

calvary (plural calvaries)

1. A life-size representation of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on a piece of raised ground.
2. A series of representations of Christ’s Passion in a church.
3. A type of monumental public Christian cross, sometimes encased in an open shrine.

   Calvaries are typical of Galicia (Spain) and Portugal.

4. (by extension, figuratively) A strenuous experience.

• nativity
• Stations of the Cross

• OED 2nd edition 1989

calvary (plural calvaries)

1. Misspelling of cavalry.

• cavalry