I. ˈrül 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 — New York 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
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- as a rule
II. verb
( ruled ; rul·ing )
Date: 13th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to exert control, direction, or influence on
the passions that rule our minds
b. : to exercise control over especially by curbing or restraining
rule 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 ; especially : 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
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to exercise supreme authority
b. : to be first in importance or prominence : predominate
the physical did not rule in her nature — Sherwood Anderson
2. : to exist in a specified state or condition
3. : to lay down a legal rule
4. slang : to be extremely cool or popular — used as a generalized term of praise or approval
for a little attitude at the right price, sneakers rule — Tish Hamilton
Synonyms: see decide