ˈrüd noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English rod, rood, from Old English rōd rod, cross, rood; akin to Old Frisian rōd, rōde gallows, Old High German ruota rod, pole, Old Saxon rōda gallows, Old Norse rœthi oar, Old Slavic ratište, ratovište shaft of a lance, and perhaps to Latin retae trees on a river bank or in a stream
1. : a cross or crucifix symbolizing the cross on which Jesus Christ died
by the holy rood — Shakespeare
specifically : a large crucifix at the entrance of the chancel of a medieval church
2.
a. : any of various units of land area: as
(1) : a unit used in England and Scotland equal to 40 square rods or 1/4 acre
(2) : a Dutch unit used in South Africa equal to 148.752 square feet
b. : any of various units of length: as
(1) : a unit used in England and Scotland equal to 7 or 8 yards or sometimes a rod
(2) : a Dutch unit used in South Africa equal to 12.396 feet