parallelogram

noun

1. A convex quadrilateral in which each pair of opposite edges are parallel and of equal length.
2. (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.)

   “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.”

   “Goulding was fouled in the small parallelogram and O’Connor nicked the penalty into the net off the post.”

   “There are seven Kilkenny players inside the large parallelogram and only two from Tipperary. Yet Tipp have scored a goal.”