Crosier

Crosier, ecclesiastical insignia of bishops and some abbots, also a symbol of authority and jurisdiction. The Crosier is of early origin, and it was probably used in public worship as early as the fifth century. Three early forms of the Crosier are distinguished: a rod bent at the top, a staff with a knob often surmounted by a cross, and a T-shaped staff with its arms twisted to resemble serpents. This last form still prevails in the East. In the West the crosier resembles a shepherd's crook, signifying the bishop's authority to correct vices, and stimulate piety.