rood

UK: /ruːd/ US: (ro̅o̅d)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

rood (ro̅o̅d),  n. 

1. Religion a crucifix, esp. 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. Religion a cross as used in crucifixion.
3. Weights and Measures a unit of length varying locally from 5½ to 8 yards (5 to 7 m).
4. Weights and Measures a unit of land measure equal to 40 square rods or ¼ acre (0.10117 hectare).
5. Weights and Measures a unit of 1 square rod (25.29 sq. m).
6. Religion [Archaic.] the cross on which Christ died.

• bef. 900; Middle English; Old English rōd pole, crucifix; cognate with German Rute rod, twig

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

rood / ruːd/ noun

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
3. the Cross on which Christ was crucified
4. a unit of area equal to one quarter of an acre or 0.10117 hectares
5. a unit of area equal to 40 square rods

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