n. 1 a slender straight bar esp. of wood or metal. 2 this as a symbol of office. 3 a a stick or bundle of twigs used in caning or flogging. b (prec. by the) the use of this. 4 a = fishing-rod. b an angler using a rod. 5 a a slender straight round stick growing as a shoot on a tree. b this when cut. 6 (as a measure) a perch or square perch (see PERCH(1)). 7 US sl. = hot rod. 8 US sl. a pistol or revolver. 9 Anat. any of numerous rod-shaped structures in the eye, detecting dim light. make a rod for one's own back act in a way that will bring one trouble later. rodless adj. rodlet n. rodlike adj.
[ OE rodd, prob. rel. to ON rudda club ]