calvary Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a hill near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified
    Golgotha.
  2. noun any experience that causes intense suffering
    martyrdom.

WordNet

Cal"va*ry noun
Etymology
L. calvaria a bare skull, fr. calva the scalp without hair. fr. calvus bald; cf. F. calvaire.
Definitions
  1. The place where Christ was crucified, on a small hill outside of Jerusalem. Luke xxiii. 33. ✍ The Latin calvaria is a translation of the Greek of the Evangelists, which is an interpretation of the Hebrew Golgotha. Dr. W. Smith.
  2. A representation of the crucifixion, consisting of three crosses with the figures of Christ and the thieves, often as large as life, and sometimes surrounded by figures of other personages who were present at the crucifixion.
  3. (Her.) A cross, set upon three steps; -- more properly called cross calvary.

Webster 1913