Holy Rood

noun

1. the cross on which Jesus died.

2. (lowercase),  a crucifix, especially one above a rood screen.

holy rood

noun

1. a cross or crucifix, esp one placed upon the rood screen in a church

2. (often capital) the cross on which Christ was crucified

Word History and Origins

Origin of holy rood¹

before 1150; Middle English; Old English