Main Entry: rood

Pronunciation: \ˈrüd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English rōd rod, rood; akin to Old High German ruota rod and perhaps to Old Russian ratište lance

Date: before 12th century

1 : a cross or crucifix symbolizing the cross on which Jesus Christ died; specifically : a large crucifix on a beam or screen at the entrance to the chancel of a church
2 a : any of various units of land area; especially : a British unit equal to ¹⁄₄ acre b : any of various units of length; especially : a British unit equal to seven or eight yards or sometimes a rod