Rōd, n.

n. [A-S. rōd, O. Sax. ruoda, L. Ger. rood, rode, D. roede, roe, Dan. rode, O. H. Ger. ruota, N. H. Ger. ruthe, allied to Lat. rudis, a slender stick or rod, and Skr. ridh, to grow. Cf. Rood.]

1. The shoot or long twig of any woody plant; a branch, or the stem of a shrub; as, a rod of hazel, of birch, of oak, or hickory.
2. A slender stick; a wand; as, (a.) An instrument of punishment or correction; chastisement.

I'll whip thee with a rod. Shak. (b.) A kind of scepter, or badge of office; hence, power; authority; tyranny; oppression. “The rod and bird of peace.” Shak. (c.) A support for a fishing-line. Gay. (d.) An instrument for measuring. (e.) A shepherd’s crook. (f.) An instrument for thrashing. 3. A sprout; hence, a race; a family. Remember thy congregation which thou hast purchased of old, the rod of thine inheritance which thou hast redeemed. Ps. lxxiv. 1. 4. A measure of length, containing sixteen and a half feet;—called also perch and pole.