crux simplex

English

Noun

crux simplex

1. A single beam or pole without a cross bar for executions.
2. (historical) The simple pole or stake with which in the Roman Empire common criminals were executed either by being impaled with it or being attached to it, typically with the feet resting on a block to avoid a rapid death by asphyxia and using, for economy, only one nail through the hands (below the palm).

Synonyms

• crux ordinaria