[rule] n [ME reule, fr. OF, fr. L regula straightedge, rule, fr. regere to direct--more at right] (13c) 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 usu. 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 usu. valid generalization (2): a generally prevailing quality, state, or mode "fair weather was the ~ 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 esp. 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 syn see law -- as a rule : for the most part: generally
[2]rule vb ruled ; rul.ing vt (13c) 1 a: to exert control, direction, or influence on "the passions that ~ our minds" b: to exercise control over esp. by curbing or restraining "~ a fractious horse" "ruled his appetites firmly"
2. a: to exercise authority or power over often harshly or arbitrarily "the speaker ruled the legislature with an iron hand" b: to be preeminent in: dominate
3: to determine and declare authoritatively; esp: to command or determine judicially
4. a (1): to mark with lines drawn along or as if along the straight edge of a ruler (2): to mark (a line) on a paper with a ruler b: to arrange in a line ~ vi 1 a: to exercise supreme authority b: to be first in importance or prominence: predominate "the physical did not ~ in her nature --Sherwood Anderson"
2: to exist in a specified state or condition
3: to lay down a legal rule syn see decide