Definition of "parallelogram"

parallelogram

/ˌpæ.ɹə.ˈlɛl.ə.ˌɡɹæm/

noun
plural parallelograms
1. (geometry) A convex quadrilateral in which each pair of opposite edges are parallel and of equal length.
2. (Gaelic games, dated) either of two rectangular areas (respectively the large parallelogram and the small parallelogram) abutting the goal line in front of the goal. (Since 1986 officially named the large rectangle and small rectangle, though the older names are still occasionally used.)
  Quotations
  2 Marking of ground — [...] A five yard square shall be marked in front of each goal, having the goal posts at adjacent angles. A five yards square shall be marked out in front of each point space, having a goal post and a point post at adjacent angles. There will be thus formed in front of scoring area a parallelogram fifteen yards by five yards.
  1907 GAA, Official Guide "Football Rules"; quoted in Joseph Lennon, The playing rules of football and hurling, 1884-1995 (Northern Recreation Consultants 1997) p.66
  Two parallelograms of the dimensions set out hereunder shall be formed in front of each scoring space. One parallelogram, 14 mts. by 4.5 mts. shall be formed by two lines 4.5 mts. long and at right angles to the end-line, being marked 3.80 mts. from each goal-post, and the ends of these lines being joined. A larger parallelogram 19 mts. by 13 mts. shall be formed by two lines 13 mts. long and at right angles to the end-line, being marked 6.4 mts. from each goal-post, and the ends of these lines being joined.
  1981 GAA, The Playing Rules of Football and Hurling; quoted in Joseph Lennon, The playing rules of football and hurling, 1884-1995 (Northern Recreation Consultants 1997) p.358
  Goulding was fouled in the small parallelogram and O’Connor nicked the penalty into the net off the post.
  2009 June 13, "Classy Cork sink Kerry" GAA website
  There are seven Kilkenny players inside the large parallelogram and only two from Tipperary. Yet Tipp have scored a goal.
  2011 September 4, Denis Walsh, “Cats avoid making same mistakes but Tipp have the right balance”, in The Sunday Times