(1475), originated from the Middle English 8 and earlier, 1390, from 8 was the mark + or X written before the alphabet. (The Greek symbol ×, abbreviation of Christos, is of the same origin as ×8 for “Christmas.”)68 Learning the “Criss-Cross Row,” therefore, was the expression used for learning the alphabet. The mark stood for the phrase 8 (“May Christ’s Cross give me success”), an invocation said before reciting the alphabet.69 The Criss-Cross or Christ’s-Cross (X) was also a form of written oath before God used when signing one’s name on a document; and in the event a person could not write, was used in place of their signature.70