Dictionary

by the rood en · ADP

Meanings

1. (archaic) Used as an oath to emphasize the veracity of an associated statement; equivalent to "I swear on Christ's cross."
   • Sim[on]. I pray thee tell me now, coulde such a shrow as thou, Content thy selfe with such a sheepe as I, how sayst thou now? Sus[an]. A sheepe, nay by the Roode, I rather would haue guest you, more a Hog like, then a sheepe […] 1577, Nicholas Breton, The Workes of a Young Wyt, London: Thomas Dawson and Thomas Gardyner:
   • Gertrude. Have you forgot me? Hamlet. No, by the rood, not so! c. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene iv]:
   • By the rood! if I had my will upon ye, I should nail you upon the abbey doors, as they hang vermin before their holes. 1891, A[rthur] Conan Doyle, chapter 9, in The White Company, New York, N.Y.; Boston, Mass.: Thomas Y[oung] Crowell & Company […], →OCLC:

Relateds

swear upon · swear on