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rood

 - 3 dictionary results

rood

  [rood] ,
Use rood in a Sentence
–noun
1. a crucifix, esp. 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 5 1/2 to 8 yards (5 to 7 m).
4. a unit of land measure equal to 40 square rods or 1/4 acre (0.10117 hectare).
5. a unit of 1 square rod (25.29 sq. m).
6. Archaic. the cross on which Christ died.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME; OE rōd pole, crucifix; c. G Rute rod, twig
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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rood   (rōōd)   
n.  

    1. A crucifix symbolizing the cross on which Jesus was crucified.

    2. A large, usually wooden crucifix surmounting the rood screen or rood beam of a medieval church.

  2. Chiefly British A measure of length that varies from 5 1/2 to 8 yards (5.0 to 7.3 meters).

  3. A measure of land equal to 1/4 acre, or 40 square rods (0.10 hectare).


[Middle English, from Old English rōd.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

rood 
O.E. rod "pole," varying from 6 to 8 yards, also "cross," especially that upon which Christ suffered, also "measure of land," prop. 40 square poles or perches, from P.Gmc. *rodo (cf. O.S. ruoda "stake, pile, cross," O.Fris. rode, M.Du. roede, O.H.G. ruota, Ger. Rute "rod"), probably connected with the root of rod. Klein suggests a connection between this group and L. ratis "raft," retae "trees standing on the bank of a stream;" O.C.S. ratiste "spear, staff," Lith. rekles "scaffolding."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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