rood
noun
ˈrüd 
1
: a cross or crucifix symbolizing the cross on which Jesus Christ died
specifically : a large crucifix on a beam or screen at the entrance to the chancel of a church
2
a
: any of various units of land area
especially : a British unit equal to ¹/₄ acre
b
: any of various units of length
especially : a British unit equal to seven or eight yards or sometimes a rod
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web In Eastern Orthodox liturgies, the Eucharist is brought out from behind the rood screens. 
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 30 Mar. 2020 Beyond the house, the road meandered upward past more villas, then dustily through a cluster of old cottages around the medieval parish church, which had a distinguished rood screen. Tessa Hadley, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019 The rood screen, studded with sculptures, was pulled down. National Geographic, 15 Apr. 2019 The flowers fill the front of the church and attach to the rood screen, a traditional decorative screen that separates the parishioners from the clergy. Danika Worthington, The Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2017
Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 30 Mar. 2020 Beyond the house, the road meandered upward past more villas, then dustily through a cluster of old cottages around the medieval parish church, which had a distinguished rood screen. Tessa Hadley, The New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2019 The rood screen, studded with sculptures, was pulled down. National Geographic, 15 Apr. 2019 The flowers fill the front of the church and attach to the rood screen, a traditional decorative screen that separates the parishioners from the clergy. Danika Worthington, The Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2017 Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English rōd rod, rood; akin to Old High German ruota rod and perhaps to Old Russian ratište lance
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1