rod -
n. 1 a slender straight bar esp. of wood or metal.
2 this as a
symbol of
office.
3 a a stick or bundle of twigs used in caning or flogging. b (prec. by the) the use of this.
4 a = fishing-
rod. b an angler using a
rod.
5 a a slender straight round stick growing as a shoot on a tree. b this when cut.
6 (as a measure) a perch or square perch (
see PERCH(1) )).
7 US sl. = hot
rod.
8 US sl. a pistol or revolver.
9 Anat. any of numerous
rod-shaped structures in the eye, detecting
dim light.
make a rod for one's own back act in a way that will bring one trouble later.
rodless adj. rodlet n. rodlike adj. [OE rodd, prob. rel. to ON rudda club]
