Definition of rod

The word "rod" has roots that go back over a thousand years in the English language. Its origin can be traced to the Old English word "rǣd," which meant "James (Jacob)'s staff," or more generally, "a staff, rod, or stake." The Old English word "rǣd" was derived from the Old Norse word "hreidr," which similarly denoted a "staff" or "spear." The Old Norse word "hreidr," in turn, may have had its origins in the Proto-Germanic word "*hreid-az," which meant "stout, hard" and may have referred to a sturdy, strong staff or rod. Interestingly, the word "James" or "Jacob" appeared alongside "rod" in the Old English usage of the word, likely as a result of the biblical story of Jacob's staff, which became a metaphor for the transference of power. This usage continued into Middle English, where "rod" came to mean "a staff used as a symbol of authority or jurisdiction." Over time, the meaning of "rod" expanded to include various types of sticks, bars, or poles used for practical purposes, such as fishing, measuring, or whipping. Today, "rod" has multiple meanings in English, including a staff or hunting tool, a rod for fishing, an electrical conductor, and a device for measuring sound or radiation. In summary, the word "rod" has a rich history in the English language, originating from Old English word "rǣd" which meant "James' staff" or more generally "a staff, rod or stake," and ultimately derived from the Old Norse word "hreidr" meaning "staff" or "spear," which may have had roots in the Proto-Germanic word "*hreid-az" for a "sturdy, hard" staff or rod.