rood
rood definition
rood (ro̵̅o̅d)
noun
- Archaic a cross as used in crucifixion; specif., the cross on which Jesus was crucified
- any cross representing this; crucifix, esp. a large one at the entrance to the chancel or choir of a medieval church, often supported on a rood beam or rood screen
- Brit.
- an old unit of linear measure varying locally from 5 to 8 yards; sometimes, 1 rod
- an old unit of land measure usually equal to acre (40 square rods)
Etymology: ME rode < OE rod, a cross, measure; akin to rodd: see rod
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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