Rod

rod, n. a long twig: a slender stick: anything long and slender, as a magic rod, a lightning-rod, a fishing-rod, .: an instrument of correction: an emblem of power or authority: a pole or perch (5½ yards, or 16½ feet)—the square rod, generally called rood, is employed in estimating masonry-work, and contains 16½ × 16½, or 272¼ sq. feet: ( fig. ) punishment: authority: oppre ion: ( B. ) race or tribe: one of the layers of rods composing the retina of the eye: any bar connecting parts of a machine.— v.t. to furnish with rods, esp. lightning-rods.— ns. Rod′-fish′er ; Rod′-fish′ing , fly-fishing: angling; Rod′-line , a fishing-line not wound on a reel; Rod′-machine′ , in wood-working, a machine for cutting cylindrical sticks such as broom-handles; Rod′-ring , one of the rings along a fishing-rod through which the line runs; Rod′ster , an angler.— Napier's rods (see Napierian ). [A.S. ród ; Dut. roede , Ger. rut he ; L. rud is .]