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

Among the people buried at Holy Rood are Joseph Nevitt, a veteran of the Revolutionary War.

From Washington Post

The renovation of Holy Rood was completed in the fall of 2019.

From Washington Post

I came rather warmly and lovingly; but these light ringlets, by the holy rood, shall not shade this shoulder much longer.

From Project Gutenberg

A tower of Tudor date, in the cemetery, marks the site of a chapel of the gild of the Holy Rood.

From Project Gutenberg

By the rood was a common oath; so by the holy rood, as in Shakespeare, Rich.

From Project Gutenberg

This chamber was formerly called the Chapel of the Holy Rood.

From Project Gutenberg

His poetry is literally stamped with the mark of the Holy Rood.

From Project Gutenberg