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

Example Sentences

She said Flinders' coffin will be carried by Royal Navy pall bearers during the service at St Mary and the Holy Rood Church in Donington on 13 July 2024, with services for children and the village either side of the interment.

From BBC

Grace, a lawyer, and fellow Holy Trinity parishioner Jack Brady, an architect, proposed building a columbarium at Holy Rood.

From Washington Post

I asked Gillespie what it means that Holy Rood Cemetery has been resurrected.

From Washington Post

“I was never particularly interested in cemeteries,” Grace Bateman said as we stood amid the gravestones of Holy Rood, a burial ground that sits on the cusp of Georgetown and Glover Park.

From Washington Post

Holy Rood Cemetery — the final resting place for 7,000 people — has been reborn.

From Washington Post