rood

[ rood ]

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.

rood

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rood¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rood¹

Old English rōd ; related to Old Saxon rōda , Old Norse rōtha

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

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

From Scientific American

The last plot for Holy Rood — “rood” means “cross” in Scottish — was sold in 1915.

From Washington Post

Visitors wander around the cathedral, many craning their necks to take in the details of the roof or the dominating rood screen.

From BBC

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