Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Rood \Rood\ (r[=oo]d), n. [AS. r[=o]d a cross; akin to OS.
   r[=o]da, D. roede rod, G. ruthe, rute, OHG. ruota. Cf. {Rod}
   a measure.]
   1. A representation in sculpture or in painting of the cross
      with Christ hanging on it.

   Note: Generally, the Trinity is represented, the Father as an
         elderly man fully clothed, with a nimbus around his
         head, and holding the cross on which the Son is
         represented as crucified, the Holy Spirit descending in
         the form of a dove near the Son's head. Figures of the
         Virgin Mary and of St. John are often placed near the
         principal figures.

               Savior, in thine image seen Bleeding on that
               precious rood.                     --Wordsworth.

   2. A measure of five and a half yards in length; a rod; a
      perch; a pole. [Prov. Eng.]

   3. The fourth part of an acre, or forty square rods.

   {By the rood}, by the cross; -- a phrase formerly used in
      swearing. ``No, by the rood, not so.'' --Shak.

   {Rood beam} (Arch.), a beam across the chancel of a church,
      supporting the rood.

   {Rood loft} (Arch.), a loft or gallery, in a church, on which
      the rood and its appendages were set up to view. --Gwilt.

   {Rood screen} (Arch.), a screen, between the choir and the
      body of the church, over which the rood was placed.
      --Fairholt.

   {Rood tower} (Arch.), a tower at the intersection of the nave
      and transept of a church; -- when crowned with a spire it
      was called also {rood steeple}. --Weale.

   {Rood tree}, the cross. [Obs.] ``Died upon the rood tree.''
      --Gower.