red cross

noun

1. an international philanthropic organization (Red Cross Society), formed in consequence of the Geneva Convention of 1864, to care for the sick and wounded in war, secure neutrality of nurses, hospitals, etc., and help relieve suffering caused by pestilence, floods, fires, and other calamities.
2. a branch of this organization: the American Red Cross.
3. the English national emblem of St. George’s cross.
4. Geneva cross.

noun

1. an international humanitarian organization (Red Cross Society) formally established by the Geneva Convention of 1864. It was originally limited to providing medical care for war casualties, but its services now include liaison between prisoners of war and their families, relief to victims of natural disasters, etc
2. any national branch of this organization
3. the emblem of this organization, consisting of a red cross on a white background

n.

early 15c., national emblem of England (St. George’s Cross), also the badge of the Order of the Temple. Hence red-cross knight, one bearing such a marking on shield or crest. In 17c., a red cross was the mark placed on the doors of London houses inflected with the plague. Red Cross (in Muslim lands, red crescent) adopted as a symbol of ambulance service 1864 by the Geneva Conference.

n.

1. An international organization that cares for the wounded, sick, and homeless in wartime according to the terms of the Geneva Convention of 1864, and now also during and following natural disasters.
2. A national branch of the Red Cross.
3. The Red Cross emblem of this organization, a Geneva cross or a red Greek cross on a white background.