Holy Rood

the cross on which Jesus died.

(lowercase) a crucifix, especially one above a rood screen.

Origin of Holy Rood

before 1150; Middle English; Old English

Mary was reminded of the terrible night when he and Ruthven broke into her little supper-room at Holyrood in quest of Rizzio.

Mary Queen of Scots, Makers of History |Jacob Abbott
Mr. Fisher, who is to be tutor at Oxford, was also in Holyrood.

Speeches and Addresses of H. R. H. the Prince of Wales: 1863-1888 |Edward VII
Edinburgh tradition holds that there was such a tunnel between Holyrood and the Castle, which may be the basis of this fairy-tale.

The Mystery of Mary Stuart |Andrew Lang
Adam Hunter has resolved to slay ye this night, as ye gang to Holyrood.

Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland, Vol. XX |Alexander Leighton

Arran, in 1564, speaks of a plot to capture her in Holyrood.

John Knox and the Reformation |Andrew Lang

Holyrood

/ (ˈhɒlɪˌruːd, ˈhəʊlɪˌruːd) /

the Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh, located beside Holyroodhouse

informal the Scottish Government

holy rood

a cross or crucifix, esp one placed upon the rood screen in a church

(often capital) the cross on which Christ was crucified