Lexical Definition

‎σταυρός‎ staurós (stow-ros') cross ^G:N-M
from the base of ‎ἵστημι‎

cross.

• a stake or post (as set upright), i.e. (specially), a pole or cross (as an instrument of capital punishment)
• figuratively, exposure to death, i.e. self-denial
• by implication, the atonement of Christ

Abbott-Smith

* σταυρός, -οῦ, ὁ
1. an upright pale or stake (Hom., Hdt., Thuc., al.)
2. In late writers (Diod., Plut., al.) of the Roman instrument of crucifixion, the Cross: of the Cross on which Christ suffered, Mt 27:32, 40, 42, Mk 15:21, 30, 32, Lk 23:26, Jo 19:17, 19, 25, 31, Col 2:14, He 12:2; θάνατος σταυροῦ, Phl 2:8; τ. αἷμα τοῦ σ., Col 1:20. Metaph., in proverbial sayings: αἴρειν (λαμβάνειν, βαστάζειν) τὸν σ., Mt 10:38 16:24, Mk 8:34 10:21, 15:21, Lk 9:23 14:27 (for an interesting ex. of metaph. use in π., v. MM, xxiii) By meton., for Christ's death on the Cross: I Co 1:17, Ga 5:11 6:12, 14, Eph 2:16, Phl 3:18; ὁ λόγος ὁ τοῦ σ., I Co 1:18.†

Abbott-Smith References

Liddell-Scott-Jones

σταυρός, ὁ,

upright pale or stake, σταυροὺς ἐκτὸς ἔλασσε διαμπερὲς ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα πυκνοὺς καὶ θαμέας [Refs 8th c.BC+]; of piles driven in to serve as a foundation, [Refs 5th c.BC+]

__II cross, as the instrument of crucifixion, [NT+1st c.BC+]; σ. λαμβάνειν, ἆραι, βαστάζειν, metaphorically of voluntary suffering, [NT]: its form was represented by the Greek letter T, [Refs 2nd c.AD+]
__II.b pale for impaling a corpse, [Refs 1st c.AD+]

_{LSJ Scripture Refs: Matt.27.40 ☩ Matt.10.38 ☩ Luke.9.23}