The Cross Pattée (Patty) or Cross Formée (Formy) is the heraldic name of a common cross style, especially in 'medieval' art. The term 'pattée' simply means the cross has splayed arm ends. The arms may be straight or concave but in essence, they are narrow at the centre, and broader at the perimeter. The name 'pattée' comes from the French for 'paw'.
There are several variations of the design. When the arms meet at a point in the centre, they produce a cross comprised of four triangles; the triangle represents an arrow in heraldry, or the Holy Trinity in a Christian context.
The arms also resemble the vanes of a windmill. Bread is a staple food for life and the manufacturing process of bread's main ingredient traditionally includes the rotating sails of a windmill. This rotation can symbolise the spiritual regeneration brought about by the crucifixion of Jesus on the cross.
A further interpretation is that the arms represent rays of light. See the Glory Cross.
The Pattée Cross may be styled with straight or curved arms, straight or curved edges, concave or convex.