/ rɒd; NAmE rɑːd/ noun
1.
(often used in compounds) a long straight piece of wood, metal or glass
—see also lightning rod
2.
= fishing rod :
fishing with rod and line
3.
(also the rod ) ( old-fashioned ) a stick that is used for hitting people as a punishment :
There used to be a saying: 'Spare the rod and spoil the child.'
4.
( NAmE , slang ) a small gun
•
IDIOMS
- make a rod for your own back
—more at beat verb , rule verb
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Old English rodd slender shoot growing on or cut from a tree , also straight stick or bundle of twigs used to inflict punishment ; probably related to Old Norse rudda club.