n.
Pronunciation: ' rül
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English reule, from Anglo-French, from Latin regula straightedge, rule, from regere to keep straight, direct ― more at RIGHT
Date: 13th century
1 a : a prescribed guide for conduct or action b : the laws or regulations prescribed by the founder of a religious order for observance by its members c : an accepted procedure, custom, or habit d (1) : a usually written order or direction made by a court regulating court practice or the action of parties (2) : a legal precept or doctrine e : a regulation or bylaw governing procedure or controlling conduct
2 a (1) : a usually valid generalization (2) : a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode <fair weather was the rule yesterday ― N.Y. Times > b : a standard of judgment : CRITERION c : a regulating principle d : a determinate method for performing a mathematical operation and obtaining a certain result
3 a : the exercise of authority or control : DOMINION b : a period during which a specified ruler or government exercises control
4 a : a strip of material marked off in units used especially for measuring : RULER 3 , TAPE MEASURE b : a metal strip with a type-high face that prints a linear design also : a linear design produced by or as if by such a strip
synonyms see LAW
– as a rule : for the most part : GENERALLY