rood

American  

[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.

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rood British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of rood

before 900; Middle English; Old English rōd pole, crucifix; cognate with German Rute rod, twig

Example Sentences

The team also recovered well-preserved painted sculptures and many pieces of the medieval rood screen, which once divided congregants from clergy until it was demolished under Louis XIV.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 20, 2022

There’s another reference that says a clock was installed above the rood screen of a church.

From Scientific American • Jan. 28, 2022

Beyond the house, the road meandered upward past more villas, then dustily through a cluster of old cottages around the medieval parish church, which had a distinguished rood screen.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 21, 2019

This panel hung for many years behind the rood screen of a small church in rural Belgium, but its current whereabouts are unknown.

From The Guardian • May 18, 2018

Then they broke out into the sunlight and for a while they were busy finding and devouring rood as they moved down the scar toward the platform and the meeting.

From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding