rood steeple

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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Savior, in thine image seen Bleeding on that precious rood. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]

2. A measure of five and a half yards in length; a rod; a perch; a pole. [Prov. Eng.] [1913 Webster]

3. The fourth part of an acre, or forty square rods. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]