/rooh"ling/ , n.
1. an authoritative decision, as one by a judge on a debated point of law.
2. the act of drawing straight lines with a ruler.
3. ruled lines.
adj.
4. governing or dominating: the ruling party.
5. controlling; predominating: the ruling factor in recovery from an illness.
6. widespread; prevalent: ruling prices; ruling values.
[ 1175-1225; ME (ger.); see RULE, -ING 1 , -ING 2 ]