ROD, n. [L. radius, ray, radix, root.] 1. The shoot or long twig of any woody plant; a branch, or the stem of a shrub; as a rod of hazle, of birch, of oak or hickory. Hence,2. An instrument of punishment or correction; chastisement.I will chasten him with the rod of men. 2Sam. 7. Prov. 10.3. Discipline; ecclesiastical censures. 1Cor. 4.4. A king of scepter.The rod and bird of peace.5. A pole for angling; something long and slender.6. An instrument for measuring; but more generally, a measure of length containing five yards, or sixteen feet and a half; a pole; a perch. In many parts of the United States, rod is universally used for pole or perch.7. In Scripture, a staff or wand. 1Sam. 14.8. Support.Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23.9. A shepherd's crook. Lev. 27.10. An instrument for threshing. Is. 28.11. Power; authority. Ps. 125.12. A tribe or race. Ps. 74.Rod of iron, the mighty power of Christ. Rev. 19. Ps. 2.
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