rood

[rood] /rud/
noun
1.
a crucifix, especially a large one at the entrance to the choir or chancel of a medieval church, often supported on a rood beam or rood screen.
2.
a cross as used in crucifixion.
3.
a unit of length varying locally from 5½ to 8 yards (5 to 7 meters).
4.
a unit of land measure equal to 40 square rods or ¼ acre (0.10117 hectare).
5.
a unit of 1 square rod (25.29 sq. m).
6.
Archaic. the cross on which Christ died.
Origin
before 900; Middle English; Old English rōd pole, crucifix; cognate with German Rute rod, twig
Examples from the web for rood
  • Thus, the marginal price goes through the rood as capacity is reached.
British Dictionary definitions for rood

rood

/ruːd/
noun
1.
  1. a crucifix, esp one set on a beam or screen at the entrance to the chancel of a church
  2. (as modifier): rood beam, rood arch, rood screen
2.
the Cross on which Christ was crucified
3.
a unit of area equal to one quarter of an acre or 0.10117 hectares
4.
a unit of area equal to 40 square rods
Word Origin
Old English rōd; related to Old Saxon rōda, Old Norse rōtha
Word Origin and History for rood
n.

Old English rod "pole," varying from 6 to 8 yards; also "cross," especially that upon which Christ suffered; "crucifix," especially a large one; also a measure of land, properly 40 square poles or perches, from Proto-Germanic *rod- (cf. Old Saxon ruoda "stake, pile, cross," Old Frisian rode, Middle Dutch roede, Old High German ruota, German Rute "rod"), from PIE *ret- "post" (cf. Latin ratis "raft," retae "trees standing on the bank of a stream;" Old Church Slavonic ratiste "spear, staff;" Lithuanian rekles "scaffolding"). Probably not connected with rod.