Balderdash for the Medieval Gay #22

(a compendium of queer words for the modern fag with a passion for the Middle Ages added hebdomadally on the Sabbath day)

22.) Rood
-noun singular

a.) A crucifix symbolizing the cross on which Jesus was crucified.*

b). A large, usually wooden crucifix surmounting the rood screen or rood beam of a medieval church.

c.) A measure of land equal to ¹/₄ acre, or 40 square rods (0.10 hectare).

d.) (British) any of various units of length; especially : a British unit equal to seven or eight yards or sometimes a rod.

[Origin: Middle English from Old English rōd meaning "rod" or "rood;" akin to Old High German ruota or "rod" and perhaps to Old Russian ratište or "lance."]

*The word rood is actully an archaic word for “pole,” from Anglo-Saxon rōd or “pole,” specifically “crucifix,” from Proto-Germanic rodo, cognate to Old Saxon rōda, Old High German ruoda or “rod:” the relation of rood to rod, from Anglo-Saxon rodd or “pole” is unclear, but the latter was perhaps influenced by Old Norse rudda or “club.” The word is featured in the title of the the famous Anglo-Saxon poem known as The Dream of the Rood in which the “rood tree” tenderly voices its experience with the hanging Christ.