Jump To:

• Holy Rood
  Holy Rood

  noun

  the cross on which Jesus died.
• holy rood
  holy rood

  noun

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

Holy Rood

American  

noun

1. the cross on which Jesus died.

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

---

holy rood British  

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

---

Etymology

Origin of Holy Rood

before 1150; Middle English; Old English

Example Sentences

Brett Talley poses for a portrait at Holy Rood Cemetery in 2014.

From Washington Post • Jan. 11, 2018

Brett Talley poses for a portrait in 2014 at Holy Rood Cemetery in Washington.

From Washington Post • Dec. 14, 2017

For Good Friday he writes: A Holy Rood: I see the five wounds�And a piercing cold besets me.

From Time Magazine Archive

Swear to me, by Holy Rood, and by Mary Mother, that you will grant me whatever boon I ask, and I will help you to the secret.

From Hero-Myths & Legends of the British Race by Ebbutt, M. I. (Maud Isabel)

Perhaps Queen Jane found the east winds too keen on the heights, or the Abbey of the Holy Rood too low in the valley.

From Royal Edinburgh Her Saints, Kings, Prophets and Poets by Reid, George