The first two letters of the Greek word
XRISTOS, Christ; -- an abbreviation used with the letters separate or, oftener, in a monogram, often inclosed in a circle, as a symbol or emblem of Christ. It use as an emblem was introduced by Constantine the Great, whence it is known as the
Constantinian symbol, or
monogram. See
Labarum. [
Webster 1913 Suppl.]