\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.