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

Mr. Rood, a professor of history at the University of Georgia, treats the plantation primarily as a sophisticated economic machine that developed into an engine of profit-making in the modern economy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

John Rood, chief marketing officer for Magid, said consumers’ willingness to turn on the TV at all hours will continue to benefit the Olympics as time goes on.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024

Those predictions have been found wanting, says Anna Rood, a seismic hazard scientist at the Global Earthquake Model Foundation who led the work, which is accepted in Seismological Research Letters.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 14, 2023

The 24-year-old horse was euthanized due to complications from a leg fracture, according to a preliminary veterinarian report from Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.

From Washington Times • Aug. 29, 2023

Then down the slope and up the Rood, Went the hunt's gallop.

From Reynard the Fox by Masefield, John