rule

rule [ro͞ol]

n.

[ME reule < OFr rieule < L regula, ruler, straightedge < regere, to lead straight, rule: see RIGHT]

1.

a) an authoritative regulation for action, conduct, method, procedure, arrangement, etc. [the rules of the school]

b) an established practice that serves as a guide to usage [the rules of grammar]

2. a complete set or code of regulations in a religious order [the Benedictine rule]

3. a fixed principle that determines conduct; habit; custom [to make it a rule never to hurry]

4. something that usually or normally happens or obtains; customary course of events [famine is the rule following war]

5.

a) government; reign; control

b) the period of reigning of a particular ruler or government

6. a ruler or straightedge

7. Obs. way of acting; behavior

8. Law

a) a regulation or guide established by a court governing court practice and procedure

b) a declaration, order, etc. made by a judge or court in deciding a specific question or point of law

c) a legal principle or maxim

9. Math. a method or procedure prescribed for computing or solving a problem

10. Printing

a) a thin strip of metal, the height of type, used to print straight or decorative lines, borders, etc.

b) a line so printed

vt.

ruled, ruling

1. to have an influence over; guide [to be ruled by one's friends]

2. to lessen; restrain [reason ruled his fear]

3. to have authority over; govern; direct [to rule a country]

4. to be the most important element of; dominate [action rules the plot]

5. to settle by decree; determine [the court ruled the validity of the point]

6.

a) to mark lines on with or as with a ruler

b) to mark (a line) thus

vi.

1. to have supreme authority; govern

2. to be at a specified rate or level; prevail: said of prices, commodities, etc.

3. to issue a formal decree about a question

SYN.- GOVERN, LAW

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as a rule

usually; ordinarily

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rule out

1. to exclude, as by decision

2. to prevent; make impossible